Utah is proud of its snow. It is less welcome on the front steps. From the first storm in November to the last in April, the short trip from the car to the door is where many older residents are hurt.
What makes Utah entrances tricky
- Homes on the benches sit well above the street
- Split-entry designs put a flight of steps right at the door
- Daytime melt refreezes at night
- Inversions and short days keep shaded steps icy for weeks
Outdoor stair lifts
A weather-resistant chair travels on a rail beside the steps. The rider sits and is carried up or down, belted in. A cover keeps the seat dry. This suits people who walk but are not steady on icy steps.
Vertical platform lifts
A platform raises a wheelchair, scooter or walker user from the ground to the porch. Enclosed models keep snow off entirely.
The garage option
Many people overlook it. A lift inside the garage, beside the steps into the house, is out of the weather all year and is often the simplest installation.
Looking after a lift in winter
- Clear snow from the platform, seat and pad before use
- Use a de-icer that is safe for metal
- Keep shoveled snow away from the equipment
- Have the lift serviced in the fall
Simple additions
- Handrails on both sides of all steps
- Motion-sensor lighting
- Non-slip treads
Plan before the snow
Concrete and electrical work are best done before the ground freezes, though installation is possible in winter.
Find the right solution
See our wheelchair lifts and stair lifts. Call Nationwide Lifts of Utah on (801) 335-9089 or request a site visit.