Multi-Unit Building Elevators, Luxury Apartments, Condo, Co-op

Multi-Family Building Elevators
Multi-Family Building Elevators
Multi-Family Building Elevators

Luxury Apartments

Luxury apartment building elevators can increase access to the units and result in higher revenue for the owner. Some of these elevators can be operated with magnetic cards in the control board of the elevator, keypads with codes, and even fingerprint readers.

The units they serve are typically found primarily in new construction apartment buildings, as well as in buildings that are industrial-to-residential conversions. They can be considered a luxury amenity and you can expect the apartments to be large. 

Some multi-family elevators will service the entire floor or penthouse units.

Older buildings may have a doorman who controls access to the building will monitor residents and screen out strangers trying to gain access. 

Newer apartment elevator systems may have a video intercom which can be activated to view the interior of the elevator so you can see who is in it as you pull them up to your floor.

Condominium Building Elevators
Condominium Building Elevators

Condominium Elevators

Compact elevators for multi-unit condo buildings can be customized and have features that are similar to luxury apartments such as magnetic cards in the control board of the elevator, keypads with codes, and even fingerprint readers.

They can be added to existing structures or a retrofit in new construction design with simple interiors and buttons.

The loss of elevator service does not permit those owners to withhold common charges or take other similar actions against the board as it is seen by the state to be a direct violation of the bylaws that govern condominium properties.

Co-op Building Elevators
Co-op Building Elevators

Co-op Housing Elevators

Co-ops are collectively owned and managed by their residents that share in a non-profit corporation. The first housing cooperatives arrived in New York around the late 1800s and remain very popular in the city. 

The important difference between a co-op and a condo is that most co-op associations require a prospective purchaser to apply for the unit and must be approved by the co-op board. The benefit is being able to pick your neighbors. The downside is that when you sell, the board must approve the buyer and that can defer or even block the sale.

The elevators system cost for maintenance and service within a co-op are shared and more of a “right” when compared to a condominium. In a co-op or a rental building the loss of elevator service can be viewed by the state as a breach of the quiet enjoyment that is considered a right of the occupant.

University & College Elevators
University & College Elevators

University & College Elevators

For the betterment of the campus system, the elevators onsite can be used by students along with faculty, staff, and students with disabilities. 

Each building on campus (excluding some dormitories) may have at least one functioning elevator available for the students and guests to use. 

The maintenance and repairs need to be up to date since elevators lacking in efficiency  or not properly functioning can cause student traffic to slow down and attendance levels to suffer.

The majority of these buildings that have elevators will typically have more than three floors, so riding the elevator up is ideal. They are also a great solution for off-campus units for colleges and universities. 

Keeping the elevators inspected and maintained provides a quick, easy, efficient way to use the convenient elevators resources and ensure the students can get to class in a timely manner. 

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Island Elevator is Ready to Help!

Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year.  Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.

Call For Your Free Estimate Today! 631-491-3392

Click Here For More Information On Home Elevators

Elevator Modernization Tips 2021

Elevator Modernization Tips 2021

Many elevators are constructed and installed to provide about 35-45 years of service (although, there have been elevators as old as 50+ years or more in service) 

Keeping maintenance and inspections scheduled per manufacturer’s guidelines and periodic inspection will ensure proper operation. Elevators will age with time and parts may be harder to find as with any mechanical item. 

Equipment and parts may be difficult to find as different brands continue to improve and phase out items.  

Code changes affect certain requirements along with deteriorating ride performance which may suggest a complete overhaul of the elevator by a service company for many building owners.

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Elevator electrical component inspection

Elevator Modernization Basics

  • Controller mechanics (the part of the elevator which controls movement between the floors of the elevator) 
  • Electrical (wiring and buttons inside the cab which control the destination floors, lights, and emergency signals.) 
  • Hoist machines and motors (the part of the elevator that does the heavy lifting may need an upgrade)
  • Elevator doors (sometimes even the tracks of the doors are modified or changed) 
  • Interior of the cab (aesthetics conscious, paneling, electronics, and additional style changes can also be done)
Hydraulic elevators are a staple of today’s commercial buildings and structures. On average, the buildings are typically up to six stories high. They do not require significant overhead hoisting mechanisms in comparison to traction elevator systems. Long Island Elevator Company Elevator Installers and Repairers Long Island New York isl (9)
Elevator construction or upgrades

Elevator Modernization Process

Typically, this is done with the help of an elevator service company such as Island Elevator. The outline and plan will need to be created to determine which parts of the elevator will have to be modernized. The scope of the procedure and costs associated with each phase. Most importantly the code changes or compliance that need to be met to ensure the upgrades will pass inspection.

Preventive maintenance will need to be up to date to ensure the elevator operation is safe until it is removed from service.

During the elevator modernization the elevator will be out of service and building owners should plan on alternatives for this by:

  • Proper diversion of buildings traffic
  • Create a contingency plan
  • Consulting the repair company on best practices
Elevator Modernization Process
Elevator modernization in the cab

Benefits of Elevator Modernization

Most elevator companies can provide an elevator modernization package to building owners. Building owners can have their own customized modernization solutions. Consult professionals before any construction project is started.

  • Modernization will greatly improve the operational reliability by replacing mechanical relays and contacts with solid-state electronics.
  • Elevator ride quality can be improved by replacing motor-generator-based drive designs with Variable-Voltage, Variable Frequency (VVVF) drives, providing excellent and smooth acceleration and deceleration. 
  • Passenger safety is also improved by updating systems and equipment (such as the braking system and unintended car movement protection device on the braking system
A Misaligned Motor Drive
Elevator modernization gets technical

Elevator Modernization Timeline

The entire elevator modernization process could take up to a few several months or possibly over a year to finish.

When the process has been completed, an elevator service company must complete an elevator examination for newly installed elevator or complete the major alterations before it is back in service.

Long Island Elevator Company Elevator Installers and Repairers Long Island New York logo

Island Elevator is Ready to Help!

Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year.  Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.

Call For Your Free Estimate Today! 631-491-3392

Click Here For More Information On Home Elevators

Hydraulic Elevators and How They Work

Hydraulic Elevators and How They WorkHydraulic Elevators and How They Work


Hydraulic elevators are a staple of today’s commercial buildings and structures.

On average, the buildings are typically up to six stories high. They do not require significant overhead hoisting mechanisms in comparison to traction elevator systems.

Hydraulic elevators are a staple of today’s commercial buildings
Hydraulic elevators are a staple of today’s commercial buildings and structures.

Basic Hydraulic Elevator Features

  • Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs
  • Travel Height: Up to 80 ft
  • Speed: 150 ft/min
  • Drive: Direct-Acting / 1:2 Roped
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Basic Hydraulic Elevator Features

Hydraulic Elevator Benefits

Engineered for low to mid-rise commercial buildings

  • Allows for front, rear, and side openings
  • Flexibility in design to accommodate the application
  • Jackhole not required with holeless drive
  • Eco-friendly with use of biodegradable hydraulic oil
  • Custom elevator design and technical options can vary depending on budget
  • Manufactured and installed per local industry code standards
  • Regularly scheduled preventive maintenance helps to minimize downtime
  • General use for passenger or freight loads to each level
Hydraulic elevators are powered by a piston
Hydraulic elevators are powered by a piston

In definition, hydraulic elevators are powered by a piston which travels within a cylinder. The motor is electric and pumps oil into the cylinder, which drives the piston up to each level. The piston drives/lifts the elevator cab smoothly. Electrical valves control the release of the oil allowing for a smooth descent.

Hydraulic elevators are very common in buildings that average up to five or six stories high, and in some rare cases up to eight stories. Hydraulic elevators are able to operate at speeds of up to 200 feet per minute and do not require significant overhead hoisting machinery such as geared and gearless traction systems.

Traditional hydraulic elevator designs utilize a single hydraulic jack located under the platform and installed in the ground. They are engineered as both low and high capacity elevators. The hydraulic elevator can accommodate front and rear opening configurations and have minimal pit and overhead requirements. 

For heavy-duty lifting, the capacity of hydraulic elevators can be extended to over 80,000 lbs, based on engineered design and local codes

Hydraulic elevators can be extended
Hydraulic elevators can be extended

Holed Hydraulic Elevator

Holed hydraulic elevators are designed with the car mounted on a piston that travels inside a cylinder. The elevator cylinder extends into the ground to a depth equal to the height the hydraulic elevator will rise. Hydraulic fluid is pumped into the cylinder through a valve and this results in the car lifting to each structure floor. As the fluid returns to the reservoir  the elevator car descends to the base of the structure. This type of system is referred to as “Inground Hydraulic” design. 

Commercial Elevator Dimension Guide
Commercial Elevator Dimension Guide

Holeless Hydraulic Elevator

The homeless hydraulic elevator system uses direct acting pistons mounted inside the hoistway to lift and lower the elevator car. The amount of travel is determined by the depth of the pit and the overhead clearance requirements engineered. 

Pros & Cons of Elevators with Hydraulic Lifts

When reviewing what type of lift method is needed the benefits and requirements should be taken into consideration. Different environments, usage levels, travel heights, and space available can determine the best fit for the project.

Pros:

The machine room is separate and contains all of the machinery needed to operate the elevator. No space is needed above the shaft to host the machinery equipment. (which traction systems use)

The elevator is supported by the floor/pit and should reduce the need for more reinforcement. 

The heart pumping “dead drop” scenario is avoided, since there are no cables that can shear or break. If the hydraulic system breaks or leaks, then the elevator car will only drop at the speed of which the oil can leak from the system.

Hydraulic elevator lifts are often less expensive than traction lifts and may accommodate a smaller budget.

Cons:

The travel distance of a hydraulic system may not be suitable for buildings higher than six or eight floors. The system tends to be slower when compared to traction elevator systems. (up to 1m/s)

Required space for the oil pour and machine room may not be suitable for the building design. (especially if the floor space is a premium)  The holed systems may require digging further down into the ground than is possible at the location.

Temperature can be a factor since the hydraulic system operates on oil and this can vary since oil gets thinner at higher temperatures. 

Keeping the system maintained is vital, since oil can leak out of the system causing major problems with the elevator operation.

Long Island Elevator Company Elevator Installers and Repairers Long Island New York logo

Island Elevator is Ready to Help!

Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year.  Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.

Call For Your Free Estimate Today! 631-491-3392

Click Here For More Information On Home Elevators