How Weather Can Affect Your Elevator and What to Do About It

As a building owner, you may not always think about how weather can affect your elevator, but it plays a crucial role in the performance and longevity of your system. Extreme weather conditions—whether it’s heat, humidity, cold, or storms—can take a toll on your elevator’s mechanics, leading to potential breakdowns and costly repairs.

Understanding the impact of weather on your elevator and knowing how to address these challenges can help you avoid major disruptions. Here’s what you need to know about how weather can affect your elevator and how Buckley Elevator can help ensure it continues to run smoothly.

Humidity and Moisture

The spring and summer months can be wet in New England, whether it’s from rain or humidity levels. High levels of humidity or excessive moisture can cause significant issues for elevator systems, especially in areas where the elevator shaft or machinery is exposed to the elements. When moisture builds up, it can cause electrical components to short-circuit or corrode, and parts like cables, pulleys, and metal components may rust, leading to wear and tear over time.

The best way to deal with humidity and moisture is by installing preventative measures in your elevator. Installing dehumidifiers or improving the building’s ventilation can help reduce humidity levels around the elevator.

Cold Weather and Freezing Temperatures

It’s no secret that New England gets cold in the winter. Unfortunately, freezing temperatures can impact the mechanical components of your elevator, so this is a major problem. Lubricants used in the elevator’s moving parts may thicken, causing friction and strain on the system. In extreme cases, cold weather can cause cables or pulleys to freeze, leading to breakdowns or slower operations. Additionally, elevator doors may freeze shut or fail to operate smoothly when exposed to cold air.

To prevent this, have Buckley Elevator make sure your elevator is winter-ready. Our team can ensure that lubricants and oils are replaced with cold-resistant options and that all moving parts are functioning properly, even in the harshest conditions. We can also inspect door seals and other components to ensure they remain operational in freezing temperatures.

Heat and High Temperatures

On the flip side, excessively high temperatures, such as what Massachusetts can get in the summer, can cause the elevator’s electrical components to overheat, potentially leading to malfunctions or complete failure. Heat can also cause the metal parts of the elevator to expand, which may affect smooth operation. In some cases, if ventilation is inadequate, heat buildup can cause components to wear out more quickly, shortening the lifespan of the system.

Proper ventilation and cooling systems are key to preventing heat buildup in your elevator system. Our team can perform a thorough inspection to ensure your elevator’s electrical systems are properly ventilated and that components are protected from extreme heat. If necessary, we can also recommend upgrades or modifications to help keep your system running smoothly during hot weather.

Storms and Power Outages

Severe weather events such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, or heavy rain can lead to power outages, which may affect your elevator’s operation. Power surges or interruptions can damage the electrical systems, potentially causing the elevator to become stuck between floors or fail entirely. Flooding from storms can also affect the elevator’s machinery, especially in basement or lower-floor elevators.

Investing in backup power systems, such as generators, can keep your elevator operational during a power outage. Additionally, a storm drainage system should be in place to prevent flooding around your elevator equipment. We specialize in providing solutions for elevator systems affected by power issues and storm damage, including installing emergency power systems and inspecting for potential flood risks.

Weather conditions can significantly impact the performance of your building’s elevator, but with the right maintenance and care, you can minimize these effects. If you’re concerned about how the weather is affecting your elevator or want to ensure it’s ready for the next seasonal change, Buckley Elevator is here to help. Contact us today to ensure your elevator is always ready to serve your building’s needs.