Shaftless elevators have grown in popularity thanks to the increased demand for enhanced home accessibility. Unlike standard elevators, these systems do not require a pit, shaft or machine room. As a result, they make homes more accessible with minimal structural modifications needed.  

What Are Shaftless Elevators?

A shaftless elevator is a compact home elevator without a traditional shaft or machine room. Instead, the self-contained car is attached to the building's structure using a rail system that is bolted to a leveled floor and usually mounted to a load-bearing wall. The self-supporting structure allows for easy movement between floors and makes them easier to install almost anywhere within your home, including existing staircases and tight corners.

Since shaftless elevators don't require the construction of a separate shaftway or extensive structural work, the installation process is usually faster and doesn't cause a lot of disruption.

Three Popular Shaftless Elevator Types 

The three most popular shaftless elevator options include:

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators

A pneumatic vacuum elevator is a compact elevator system that uses air pressure technology to move up and down. The elevator car is encased in a cylindrical glass tube, giving the system a sleek, modern aesthetic. The pneumatic vacuum elevator also has a relatively compact footprint, which makes it ideal for smaller homes.

Due to its design, this elevator has a few limitations, such as a lower weight capacity, a smaller platform size and height restrictions. 

Compact Cabinet Elevators

Compact cabinet elevators are self-contained units that require minimal structural modifications. As such, the installation process is usually faster and simpler. They also have a small footprint, making them a space-efficient option. 

Through-Floor Lifts

A through-floor lift is a compact home elevator designed to travel between floors through a cut-out in the floor. It is typically installed in two-story homes and provides easier access between both floors. These lifts require no shaft or machine room, making them ideal for homes with limited space. They are also more cost-effective than standard elevators. 

Key Considerations for Homeowners

Here are some key factors to consider when thinking about installing a shaftless elevator in your home:

• Space requirements: A home elevator without a shaft typically requires a smaller footprint than traditional elevators. 
• Costs: The cost of the elevator and installation can vary depending on size, capacity, project complexity and other additional customization features. 
• Maintenance needs: A shaftless elevator requires regular maintenance at least once a year to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Power requirements: Shaftless elevators use significantly less power than standard options. They typically use a standard 110 or 120 VAC outlet, which draws power from a dedicated circuit. You might need to install a new circuit to support the power demands, along with a backup battery system for outages.
• Home value impact: Shaftless elevators are a sought-after accessibility feature that can significantly increase home value.
• Timeline: If you're installing a shaftless elevator in a new build, you need to include it in the initial design phase to ensure it fits into your floor plan and avoid making adjustments at later stages. While retrofitting an elevator into an existing home and installing it in a new construction differ, the installation usually takes a few days.  

Call Residential Elevators for Shaftless Elevator Installation

Shaftless elevators are an excellent solution for enhancing accessibility and convenience in your home. At Residential Elevators, we design and install custom home elevators tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help.