A curved rail
stair lift functions through a track that is curved to fit the shape of the
staircase. Curved stair lift comes in
different varieties. Depending on budget and requirement, one should decide as
to which one one should opt for. As a matter of fact, there are both pros and
cons of each type of track. Let’s explore:
Usually,
there are three types of track styles or designs for a curved rail stair lift.
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Hollow Tube Rail
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Modular Flat Rail
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Custom Flat Rail
Hollow Tube
Rail:
A hollow tube
design comes in with either one or two tube rails that are maneuvered using a pipe
bender to fit the contour of the staircase. It is usually less expensive
compared to lifts with a custom flat rail track.
Because of
being less rigid, hollow rail track is likely to have more flex than a custom
steel flat rail. Hence, it has lower weight capacity than custom flat rail.
Secondly, the
exposed gear rack poses a serious threat to young children, as there is a
higher chance of getting a limb or piece of clothing caught in the gear rack.
Modular Flat
Rail:
This type of
flat rail features many smaller modular pieces of track that are used to fit
the curves of the stair case. This means it is not a right fit and the chair
must travel over many more joints than a custom curved flat rail, causing a
bumpy and uneven ride.
The type of
track is typically made of aluminum and has a smaller weight capacity than a
custom flat rail. Since it has to travel over many modular joints, the chair
uses a mechanism that controls the speed of pitch over these joints, causing a
slower ride than with tube and custom flat rail chair lifts.
Custom Flat
Rail:
Custom flat
rail design is custom curved by the manufacturer in the factory according to
the requirement. The overall process of designing this track focuses on
creating a precise fit for the stair case using measurements during the
evaluation process. Stronger and more durable with the gear rack hidden by
flange on the track, this type of track means more safety than the exposed
gears of a tubed rail.
A custom flat
rail has a weight capacity of 400 lbs, compared to the other
two. The average time take to fabricate the custom flat is 2-4 weeks. While
custom flat rail design is a bit expensive compared to other tubed rail and
modular rail models on the market, it allows for a smoother and more precise
ride with the fastest and most consistent speed.
It might be often alluring to opt for the least
expensive option with the quicker installation turnaround. But at times,
choosing the right fit means going for the expensive option. Spending the extra
bucks on custom curved rail elevators is really well worth it in that it allows for a safer,
smoother and more precise ride without any jerk, thereby making the movement
more enjoyable experience all around.
