Stairlifts and perch lifts

Stairlifts enable someone who is unable to walk or who has difficulty with steps to travel up and down stairs.

For most able bodied people this is something that they take for granted, but for those with a mobility restriction or who are of advanced years, stairs can be a big obstacle. So much so that many people choose to move into single story accommodation when climbing and descending stairs starts to become a problem.



A stairlift removes this problem by transporting a seated passenger from one level to another in comfort and safety. These lifts will work (and can be fitted) on straight, curved, or landing configured staircases. They make getting from one floor level to another easy and trouble free.

There are many different stairlifts and there are numerous differences between models and specifications. A simple straight stairlift is much cheaper than one that turns around a landing and the types of chair (e.g. materials and padding) will also influence the price.

Another variation of the stairlift is the perch lift. Perch lifts are very similar to chairlifts except that the passenger does not sit, but rather stands on a small platform and leans against a backrest. This type of lifts suits someone who has difficulty sitting and standing.

If you want to read more about the various stairlift options, including their suitability to a home and stairs, installation information, appropriate regulations and the user benefits of owning one, you can contact a fitter, contractor or supplier. Stairlifts can be fitted in a matter of hours and they can transform a less able bodied person’s ability to move around their home. In short, they can be life transforming appliances and they will work for many years.

What type of garage door is best for your garage

If you are thinking about a new or replacement garage door, you have a number of available options with mechanisms that include side hinged, up and over, roller, sectional and sliding. Each type has different features, so it is important to consider the options carefully.

Here is a summary of the main door types based upon their operational mechanism or movement.

Up and over

These need space above the opening and room for mechanical fixings on the walls adjacent to the door’s location. With a standard up and over door the door will project outwards by one third of its length at the head of the entrance when open. A retractable up and over door has a flush finish.

Side hinged

Side hinged doors require a frame plus room to open the door outwards. They fit all openings and can be adjusted on site very easily. Side hinged doors are usually made of two doors that may be of equal size, or of a disproportional ratio.

Roller

Doors using a roller movement store above and slightly behind the garage door opening. They wrap around a drum or roller. They require less space than any other door type and can be left partially open. This type of door is very efficient in its use of space when open or closed.

Sectional doors

A garage door with a sectional mechanism is a bit like a sliding door, but it slides upwards into the roof space above the garage entrance and does not wrap around a drum. This means that it needs space above and behind the opening.

Sliding

Sliding doors need a top and bottom track. This track runs to one side of the garage opening to the point where the door is rested when the garage is open. The advantage of fitting this type of door is that it only needs limited space above the opening and that the tracks can be fitted inside or outside of the walls. Because of this it is very versatile when space is restricted.
Remote control

Doors controlled by remote electric motors have a smooth, effortless and impact free movement. This reduces working stresses and takes away the effort required to open and close the garage door.