- maintenance
- guide
- safety
The monthly maintenance visit is essential, but not sufficient on its own. Many breakdowns we handle stem from wrong daily use — not technical defects. The good news: avoiding these mistakes needs no expertise, just awareness and resident communication.
These 7 daily practices can be applied by any HOA and posted as a notice inside the cabin — the result: breakdowns reduced by up to 50% in the first year.
1. Do not hold the door by hand to delay closing
The correct way to delay the door is the "Door Open" button inside the cabin. Holding it by hand forces the motor to resist, drastically shortening sensor life. Mechanical doors are not designed for manual resistance.
2. Do not exceed maximum load
The load notice (e.g. 400 kg or 6 persons) is not advisory — it is an engineering limit. Repeated overloading damages cables and brakes, and may trigger weight-sensor shutdown.
3. Do not load heavy furniture on wheels without protection
When moving furniture, place a wood board or thick rug on the cabin floor. Metal wheels scratch and damage the cabin floor — whether marble, ceramic, or any other finish — and repair is expensive, sometimes requiring a full floor replacement.
4. Inform residents: no children alone in the elevator
Children press multiple buttons, hang on doors, and stop the elevator between floors. Notify residents that children under 10 must always be accompanied. This is a safety rule before being a maintenance rule.
5. Keep the floor and door sensors clean
Dust, hair, and small plastic bags confuse door photocells — the leading cause of repeated breakdowns. A light weekly wipe of the sensors with a dry cloth is enough.
6. Do not transport construction or chemical materials
Cement, sand, paints, and chemical solvents damage the cabin floor and rails. If residents must transport such materials, a full protective cover is required — preferably, use the stairs.
7. Log any observation immediately in the HOA logbook
A simple logbook with the doorman to record any odd sound, lag, or jolt makes the technician's monthly visit much more effective and helps catch issues before they grow. A serious maintenance company values and uses this logbook.
Bottom line: Maintenance is a partnership between provider and HOA
The best buildings we serve share a pattern: an aware HOA, a doorman who follows simple guidance, and an instruction notice inside the cabin. These three save thousands of EGP in annual repairs and extend elevator life by 5–7 years.
If you have questions about any of these practices, or need a print-ready instruction notice, contact Sigma for Elevators — we send it free of charge.
Need help with your elevator?
The Sigma for Elevators team is ready to answer your questions during working hours (10 AM – 6 PM).