Potomac in Montgomery County is famous for its stately mansions. But big houses can pose problems for their residents as they get older. Just because stairs don’t pose much of a problem now doesn’t mean they can’t become an issue as you get older. Or perhaps you’d simply like to make your home in Potomac more hospitable to your older loved ones. It’s time to start thinking about how you can amplify the accessibility of your home. A home elevator is a great way to do exactly that.
Traditional Lift Elevators
When you hear the term ‘home elevator,’ standard lift elevators are probably what come to mind. It functions with three primary elements: a car, a rail structure, and the drive system. This is the kind of elevator that most people are familiar with, and they are certainly a good fit for a mansion in Potomac. They can be designed to resemble just about any elevator you might encounter in a commercial setting. Wood paneling is a timeless option that could seamlessly be incorporated into your home.
A few misconceptions surround this form of home elevator that need to be addressed. Some people are concerned that the elevator doors will open even if the car is not there, which can be dangerous for you or your loved ones. This is not a realistic concern. Home elevators are specifically designed only to open when the car is at the landing. Many people are also concerned about what would happen if the power went out during a lift elevator ride. Don’t worry—home elevators have an emergency feature that will lower the car down safely in just such an event.
Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators
Pneumatic vacuum elevators, or PVE, are the state of the art in-home elevator technology. They look decidedly futuristic, resembling a large glass tube. PVEs function not by means of a lift in the traditional sense, but by atmospheric pressure. They are costlier than the alternative, but the dividends you receive may just be worth it in the end. Keep in mind that a PVE requires very little maintenance and energy. Another noteworthy perk is that installation tends to be less hassle, as they can be installed almost anywhere.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what kind of home elevator is best suited for your Potomac mansion. You will certainly want to take aesthetics into account. A pneumatic vacuum elevator lends a decidedly modern, but still minimalistic touch to any home. On the other hand, regular lift elevators may blend in better in an older building, even though the installation itself is more challenging. For instance, you could place one behind a door so that it does not obstruct the eye. Whichever choice you make, you can rest assured that a home elevator is a wise investment in your Montgomery County home.
Contact Signature Elevator & Accessible Design Today for Your Home Elevator!
Signature Elevators & Accessible Design, LLC works with leading manufacturers to provide you with the beautiful residential elevator that you need. Located in Rockville, MD and serving Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia areas, we have years of experience with incorporating elevators into multi-story homes and working with customers to ensure the elevator meets their specific needs. With styles from modern tubes to wood-paneled cabs, Signature Elevators has all the tools you need to build the perfect elevator for your home! Visit our website or contact us at 301-251-1658 for more information. The manufacturers we represent are:
Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators https://www.vacuumelevators.com/
Stiltz Lifts https://www.stiltzlifts.com/
Fox Valley Elevators https://www.foxvalleyelevator.com/
Cambridge Elevating https://www.cambridgeelevating.com/