Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) would like to take the opportunity to recognize and thank all the women in the construction industry during this special week. Women are at every level of the industry due to their hard work, knowledge and abilities. We celebrate Women in Construction Week!
We would also like to shine some light on one of our own and acknowledge her efforts at MEM – Michelle Barra, MEM Corporate Coordinator. Michelle has been with the company only four years but in that time has made a big difference. She quickly showed the initiative, drive and ability to be a leader in a field largely dominated by men. During her time she has gained responsibilities, faced challenges with success and is considered by all of her co-workers as the lynchpin to MEM’s ever-growing success.
She is happy with the difference she has made, the progress she has seen in a male dominated field and also that MEM looks at what a person can do and not who they are.
“Being a valued team member in a profession that traditionally has been largely men shows real progress and opens the doors of opportunity. I am glad that MEM looks at my abilities and what I bring to the table.”
A Record of Success
Prior to her employment at MEM Barra was in the US Airforce in another traditional man’s world. She kept F16 fighter jets in action as a sheet metal technician. She earned high praise for her skills and abilities, and gained valuable insights into the leadership skills necessary in the construction industry.
She brought that record of success and positive attitude to MEM, where she has been a big part of building it into the largest provider of modular elevators in North America. But, she takes it is in stride, “Here we all pull together and focus on the job as a team. My position coordinates all the moving parts from production to the final inspection process. I know I am respected as a team member and leader and my contributions are valuable.”
MEM is thrilled that Michelle has made a difference and we congratulate her during this special time of recognition.
I just finished writing a great blog about how Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) is in complete in support of the Modular Building Institute (MBI). Also, included is how we support the modular building industry as a whole and promote the benefits of modular construction. We are even going to the MBI annual convention (see more below)! Then I realized that many could confuse our support with use of our elevators. To be clear and to set the record straight, our MEM Elevator System is compatible with any structure type.
The ability to be compatible, depending on the height, is that MEM elevators are designed to be self-supporting. That means they can be place on the interior or exterior of buildings. Regardless of the construction method used MEM is a fit. Everything from post-and-beam construction to heavy steel framing can use a modular elevator. Even concrete structures can and do incorporate modular components, including the MEM System.
You Choose
In real terms there is no difference in the use or components in a traditional or a modular system. Our commercial quality elevators are just that, high quality. Modular is just superior. The MEM System provides a fast, high-quality solution that allows you to decide when the unit arrives. When you need it, it is delivered. An elevator shaft lowers into place with a factory installed elevator inside and ready for start up.
Another application that traditional elevators really struggle with are when it comes to retrofit projects. They are a piece of cake for us. Modular elevators are used in additions to structures, exteriors of existing buildings, stadiums and also in the center of existing buildings. And, it is not as hard as it sounds. The good news is that we have had decades of experience. With our help you can determine the best way to place the elevator regardless of the structure type. To assist we will not only provide you with drag and drop drawings, and engineered plans but expert advice. With our system and our help you will accomplish your goals for your project.
You Got to Know Your Limitations
Now let’s be clear there are some limitations. MEM elevators are engineered for low and mid-rise applications. Also, depending on the location of the build, there may be some issues with crane use or getting under bridges. But, those are usually minor problems and usually we find ways to circumvent almost any challenge. Here’s an example.
So is the MEM Elevator System perfect for modular building? You bet. But, our elevators are utilized for almost every structure as well.
Join the Revolution
If you want to find out more about our system you can come and see us at World of Modular. We would be glad to speak with you about the benefits of modular and how our elevators are leading a revolution in construction. This year the conference is in San Antonio, Texas – April 25-28, 2022. If you go (and we highly recommend it) make sure and stop by booth #4. There you can discuss the elevator revolution with our national territory manager Ken Grider.
He will be able to answer any questions you may have and give you a thumbnail price on the spot. If you just can’t wait for the show, you can contact us below for a Fast Track Quote. This quick quote will give you all the pricing information you need to begin your project. You can also sign up for a LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR of our production facility. During the tour you will see how we produce the highest quality modular elevator in the industry. We will take any and all questions about MEM while we show you what we do. Find out how we are taking the elevator industry higher.
Well our full name is Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM). We have been in the modular and elevator business for around thirty years and as a result the modular industry is very important to us. We see modular as more than just another way to build. It is a continuing and growing methodology that has forced needed change into the construction industry and elevator industry. It has challenged the status quo with better, smarter, safer and faster ways of producing everything from homes to commercial buildings. This approach has resulted in a revolution that we are proud to be part of where there is more accountability and better processes.
For instance with the MEM Elevator System a fully-installed, commercial elevator is placed in hours and started up in a week. It is incredible and something traditional construction cannot accomplish. Our high-quality system goes in so fast that it is often used as the construction hoist to save even more money on projects.
MBI Leading the Charge
With that said, leading the charge in the revolution towards better building is the Modular Building Institute (MBI). No doubt as they say, they are “the voice of commercial modular construction”! Their mission is to expand the use of offsite and modular construction through innovative construction practices, outreach and education. They do a fantastic job at fulfilling that mission.
So, if you are a modular producer in the construction industry you should be a part of that organization. We are at Modular Elevator Manufacturing. But more than that if you have any questions about modular, MBI and MEM regarding elevators are experts.
World of Modular – A Revolutionary Showcase
To show off a little bit each year MBI has an annual convention called appropriately the World of Modular. This year it is in San Antonio, Texas – April 25-28, 2022. So, if you are not a modular company but are the least bit curious about the modular industry, I would highly recommend attendance. You will find the leaders of the modular business there discussing alternatives to conventional construction and how modular building continues to grow and change the way projects are completed. It is a place to network, exchange ideas, learn from experts and discuss issues.
Join the Revolution
At MEM we see joining MBI or attending World of Modular as the first step in joining a revolution of better building and higher quality practices that is changing the world of construction. We look forward to seeing you at the show. Make sure and stop by booth #4 and discuss the elevator and modular revolution with our national territory manager Ken Grider. He will be able to answer any questions and give you a thumbnail price on the spot.
If you just can’t wait for the show, you can contact us below for a Fast Track Quote. This modular elevator quick quote will give you all the pricing information you need to get started. You can also sign up for a LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR. During the tour of our production facility you will see how we produce the highest quality modular elevator in the industry. You can also ask any questions you would like about MEM and our process.
So for some see you in San Antonio or for others, see online live!
Elevator cuts costs as inflation rises. Inflation is not just a term thrown around by the Wall Street crowd or economists. Inflation is very real, very damaging and turns out not transitory (whatever that means). As the January numbers reveal inflation is with us. And an economy does not shift at a whim especially when the all the forces are aligned for inflation and the social psychology for it has set in. The ripples are felt throughout the nation in every home and every sector.
That is especially true in the construction industry. We are engage in long-term commitments and obligations with slim margins. That puts more pressure as we build, meet payroll and see operating costs explode. Suddenly, we grasp for every potential savings available by trimming general costs and seeking alternatives. Surprisingly, the elevator cuts costs as inflation rises, but only if you choose the right alternative.
You Need the Right Alternative
The right alternative is a commercial quality elevator that has a long-term history of success and that can replace the need for a construction elevator on the jobsite. By consolidating the tasks of a permanent elevator and a construction hoist, costs can be significantly reduced. But, only an elevator fully installed at the beginning of the project and ready for start up early on can meet the need.
This month’s project spotlight is really several projects, but two in particular that we just finished installing where the permanent elevator doubled as the construction hoist. Not having to employ a construction elevator can reduce costs immensely. This option is not just a way to save during inflationary times, but just smart business.
In both cases the elevator unit or MEM System was in place early in the project. The system can be engineered to be self-supporting, so it is placed and awaits power, set up and inspection. The set up portion of the project is usually less than a week in total hours. This makes it not only plausible to save significantly, but a certainty of reducing costs.
Miss ECB
The Miss ECB project fully demonstrates the time and costs savings. As you can see it operates just like any other construction hoist with a set call box for access. Finish protection is key. Protective panels and wraps are in place during the build. You can also see that it is not a project dependent on any one type of construction method. the MEM System is at home in modular construction to stick built applications.
Moda
You can see there are two sections as pictured above. They are stackable units that make up the hoistway. The entire process took less than four hours to set. As a result, the fully installed elevator through the MEM System was ready for start up and inspection once power was supplied.
If you want to find out more about how choosing the right elevator cuts costs click below. You can either get a thumbnail budget number for the MEM System for your next project or, your can schedule a live virtual tour. During the tour we will pull back the curtain, so you can see how we produce the best elevator solution for all mid and low-rise applications.
We say elevator revolution a lot. After all it is in our vision and we truly do think we are leading the charge to completely change the elevator industry:
We believe in challenging the status quo…in revolutionizing the “elevator process”. We don’t just think outside the box…we think BEYOND the box.
Of course that is accomplished by moving the elevator process, design, engineering and installation, to the beginning stages of a project.
But what does that mean in real terms? Below is a project that exemplifies “elevator revolution” and how it is a benefit to you. Give it a read and let us know if you want to be part of the elevator revolution.
A Conversation with Clay Hubbell – Project Superintendent
In this surprising conversation Clay Hubbell talks about savings from a perspective rarely discuss, the true value of taking the elevator off the critical path. He also says what it was like working with MEM for the first time and why more modular elevators maybe in his future.
But first, a little background. The Olive View/UCLA Medical Center project involves constructing a new Restorative Care Village with a Mental Health Wellness Center, Residential Treatment Program and Recuperative Care Center. It is a huge sprawling complex with six elevators.
The purpose of the facility is a needed one. In other words, addressing the pressing need for increased mental health, medical, and homeless support services in local communities is necessary and crucial. The surroundings of the project are impressive. It is purposely placed in quiet hills with nature paths and stunning landscaping and design. The new Restorative Care Village will provide an unparalleled opportunity for mental health and community renewal.
Abbott Construction took on the SWA Architects plan and all the challenges including using modular construction. In many ways it was a test for the modular concept and in particular the MEM elevator system. Due to the size of the project, timelines were crucial and had to be met. The project superintendent, Clay Hubbell was understandably skeptical. He has worked with just about every elevator company and usually sees delays and excuses.
Could the elevators really be taken off the critical path? And would there be any real savings? As the project wraps up we sat down with Hubbell to find out.
What He Has To Say
About MEM
“It is hard to put into words what they have meant for this project. Elevators are a challenge when built onsite, but the modular elevators went in with no problems.”
“This is the best elevator team I have ever worked with and I have worked with them all. For instance, they across the board are all about solutions and getting the project done.”
“I can’t say enough about their knowledge, abilities and service. They even worked on Saturdays when we needed them. Great team!”
“Usually when dealing with elevator companies it is a struggle to get personnel when you need them, but working with MEM was an incredibly pleasant and enjoyable experience.”
When was the last time you heard such high praise for an elevator manufacturer or installer?
Critical Path Savings
“The MEM elevator allowed us to move up the whole process. Everyone can can be pushed forward in sequence. Normally the elevator slows everything down. You have framers, rock and tape crews, floor prep, flooring, painters, electricians, sprinklers. They usually come out and work to the elevator openings on each floor. Then they have to stop.”
“With the fully installed modular elevator, all those crews complete their work in sequence. They make one trip out and no call back because the elevator’s openings came finished with door frames already installed.”
“The results, we estimate that saved us $30,000 to $40,000 per opening.”
“Then you have a similar savings on the exterior. Framers, coping metal, parapet work was all done in sequence with no call backs and up charges. The result is tremendous savings.”
Think about the math for a second. With that savings per opening, plus an additional savings on exterior work, that results in MEM elevators saving over a half-million dollars on this project. Why consider anyone else?
About the MEM Process
“MEM has an incredibly clean operation. We visited the factory for a tour and it’s impressive. Tom (Shield – President) and his team led us on the tour and then answered all of our questions.”
“The entire process was extremely smooth. The dedicated MEM project manager Tim Dolan even consulted with the inspectors before hand to iron out any issues.”
“Usually when dealing with elevator companies it is a struggle to get personnel when you need them, but working with MEM was an incredibly pleasant and enjoyable experience.”
“The delivery and set up time was just like they said. And above all the timeline was met each and every time.”
“Seeing elevators delivered on a flatbed (see a video of the project) and craned into place on time was incredible.”
We are elevator experts in every sense of the word and provide you with a highly experienced project manager. In other words to keep the experience seamless, on track and on time we provide you the help you need.
Is He Still On Board for the Revolution?
“We can’t wait for the next project. The incredible savings and ease to work with are unmatched in the elevator industry.”
At the end of the conversation we discussed other applications beyond modular construction. The modular elevator is flexible enough for interior or exterior placement and therefore, can be used in almost any type of construction project for a high-quality solution you can count on.
And of course the feelings are mutual, the Abbot Construction team proved time and time again they are top notch. And we can’t wait for the next one!
High Praise for the Elevator Revolution
Although it seems like high praise, Clay Hubbell’s experience is the norm for people willing to join the elevator revolution. People are tired of the promises and prodding needed when dealing with the conventional elevator industry. When you couple our easy process, experienced and supportive team and money saving product you get a happy and satisfied client.
In conclusion, you can partner with us too! Just click the button below to take a live, virtual tour of our facility. We will honestly answer any questions you may have. You can also give us a few details of a potential project and we can supply you with a Fast Track quote in 24 hours. MEM – Quality Elevators taking you to a higher level.
Modular Elevator Manufacturing Vision. It’s always a good idea to take stock and recalibrate. We do this at the end of each fiscal year. We looked at successes, failures, losses and wins. The conclusion, 2023-24 was a wonderful success. COVID is in the rearview mirror, but some supply chain difficulties continue. We had increased demands, significant production growth and increasing potential sales. We celebrate our accomplishments in hitting goals and we looked forward to a bright future. But, the biggest news in the meeting was the revision of our Modular Elevator Manufacturing vision, mission and core values.
Vision Takes Deep Thought
As we were thinking about our vision we got to the key question…why? Why does MEM exist?
It is tempting to believe that we exist- “to preach the modular message” or “increase market awareness” or “convince customers that MEM is better than the competition” or “to make a profit” or “grow year over year and build a lasting company legacy”. Those are all good things however, NONE OF THAT IS WHY WE EXIST…
And here’s the point. I don’t think people buy WHAT we do… they buy WHY WE DO IT. I don’t believe people are buying the MEM system because we are selling modular elevators… I think (whether intentional or not) WE ARE SELLING A BELIEF SYSTEM, A VISION, A REVOLUTION.
If that’s the case, our customers will be people who believe our ideology. People who want to push back on the elevator establishment and believe that they are a visionary (on the RIGHT side of history) because they align themselves with MEM and the MEM Elevator System.
The “Why” Is More Important
The “why” of MEM is bigger than an elevator.
We need to present the case that we didn’t start a manufacturing business because traditional elevators are awful and the process takes too long. It just so happens that our desire to challenge the status quo and revolutionize the elevator process has the beneficial side effect of sticking it to the old ways of the elevator business.
We must sell our WHY!
With that thought in mind, what do you think of this?
MEM’s Vision: We believe in challenging the status quo…in revolutionizing the “elevator process”. We don’t just think outside the box…we think BEYOND the box. (That is accomplished by moving the elevator process, design, engineering and installation, to the beginning stages of a project.)
To fulfill the vision we will employ the mission of…
MEM’s Mission: To revolutionize and simplify our customer’s experiences with the elevator process. To build the best engineered, highest quality modular elevator on the market while maintaining our values of innovation, consistency, quality and simplicity.
This perspective is completely new, but accurate and exciting. The result is we adopted the vision, mission and core values immediately. Yes, 2023-24 was a great year, specially considering our growth. But, we are still looking to the future and to create opportunities for continued expansion as we apply the vision by explaining the “why” of the MEM system.
If you are even slightly intrigued and want to learn a bit more about the elevator revolution, contact us. just click a button below. We are more than well-versed in the benefits of the MEM system.
Retrofit Elevator Solution. As I was prepping a wall in my home for much needed improvement, I came to a startling truth. People follow what was done before even if it isn’t the best solution. That thought came to me as I started pealing layers of old construction off the oak studs from our 19th century farmhouse. There was a layer of quarter-inch drywall, followed by half-inch drywall under that. Those were on top of wood paneling and then plaster and lathe. Quite a difficult and messy job to bring it back down to the studs.
But, while prying, cutting, hammering and hacking through the various layers, I noticed several flocks of nails and screws tightly patterned in clusters. Like in the picture a half-dozen nails and screws were all in a three-inch area. The funny thing was that in most cases, none in the group ever hit one of the studs. Obviously, prior workers just saw where previous nails were used. They then figured if they put another one in the same place, they would hit something.
In most cases they were absolutely wrong. The original lathe was securely nailed down with a thick layer of plaster smeared into place, but after that layer it was guess work. A follow the leader mentality. It seemed as if they saw a nail or two and then would follow up with more hoping everything would hold okay.
Missing the Mark
We see that a lot in the modular elevator industry. Follow the leader is used constantly when choosing the elevator for a project. Not much thought is given, it is just hammer in another nail or turn another screw no matter the implication. It really doesn’t matter if you miss the mark just go with the flock. Why pick the best option or explore a bit more, before you start pounding away.
The result is the best solution to vertical transportation is not tried but, the status quo is the accepted norm and little additional consideration is given. This is despite, especially for retrofit projects the MEM system is always best. It is the perfect retrofit solution because is goes in easiest with the least interruption. It also takes the elevator off the critical path and places it on your timetable, when you want it delivered. Also, it can be added to the exterior or placed in the middle of a building by means of a roof penetration and holes cut at each floor.
Low to Mid-Rise
Lastly, these are high-quality commercial elevators that are completely factory installed in the hoistway. It arrives onsite with doors, wiring, rails, cab and even elevator buttons installed. It is then craned into place in less than a couple hours.
When power is supplied the modular elevator is then turned on. Then it is setup in a process that takes less than a week. The MEM system is suitable for any low to mid-rise project making it perfect for most retrofit projects. It can of course be used for any new construction as well, traditional or modular.
I can tell you from experience nothing is more frustrating than pulling a fist full of nails out of one small section of drywall. That is especially true when none of them hits the mark. I feel you can avoid the same kind of frustration by giving us a call. Let us help you explore the better option for vertical transportation. If you have a project in mind and would like a thumbnail number, just click the link below. You will get a budget number in less than 24 hours.
If you would like to see behind the curtain we can give you a peak. We will let you see how we produce our retrofit elevator solution, in a live virtual tour. Just click below and let us know when you are available.
New York elevator set over the holidays. While most businesses slow down between the last couple weeks of December and January 1, MEM’s schedule picks up. That slow period for most (especially schools) is the perfect time to install a complete elevator in less than four hours with the MEM system. Because they install so quickly there are minimal interruptions that you will find with traditional elevators.
A great example is a project we just set in New York. The Ateres Girls School was a perfect fit for us. The MEM system for the school is an above-ground hydraulic unit with a 25000lb. capacity and 16′ travel distance. It went in easily and smoothly.
That not only speaks to the product and our production team, but also the professionals at Nadler Modular that led the project. They made sure everything was ready and therefore the project went off without a hitch.
A modular project is not a requirement. Even with the elevator placed on the exterior of the building, that is not a always necessary for our elevators. MEM elevators can be placed in any type of construction project. And be placed on the exterior or interior. If you are looking for a vertical transportation solution for any low or mid-rise application we have what you need.
To make MEM a part of your next project just click the link to find out more or get a FAST TRACK QUOTE.
Elevator Winterization – Oh the weather outside is frightful…is your elevator ready to let it snow, let it snow, let it snow? As a chill fills the air in most of the US and Canada, it is a good question. Is your elevator ready for cold temps and inclement weather? This blog has always been about all things elevator including how to take care of them and keep them operating at peak performance. As a result, cold seasonal temps should be addressed. So consider giving your building the holiday gift of elevator winterization.
The holiday season is the perfect time to consider some of the following items. Some of the tips may be part of routine maintenance or you might be Florida, however these are things to consider regardless:
Time to look your maintenance contract over! You have a limited window to make alterations. Just like Santa checking his list twice, you should set aside some time to review your maintenance contract. I always recommend sending your current company notice that you are ending the contract. This gives you tremendous flexibility and a good way to open negotiations or if dissatisfied pick a different maintenance company. If you bought one of our elevators, they all have non-proprietary components so anyone can maintain them.
Check the log (not the yule log) and see how often the elevator was visited by your technician. It is either electronic or on a clipboard in the machine room. You may be shocked at how little actual maintenance you are paying for! If no one has been to see your elevator in more than a few months, call to get an explanation. One case I personally know of is a property manager who had the locks changed on the machine room knowing that the maintenance company would come looking for a key. Six months later still no one asked for it, but the invoice she received indicated two routine maintenance visits. Whoops!
When they do show up ask about specifics like hydraulic oil temps regarding hydraulic elevators. If your weather is more like you would find at St. Nick’s workshop knowing that can be helpful. Optimally, the temp of the fluid that makes your elevator work should be between 75 to 95 degree Fahrenheit. That is a general range and can be higher and lower with in limits. If you have no heat in the machine room or your unit is at the top of the hoistway or on the roof, you may need to see about getting a tank heater or insulating the machine room better. Another tale-tell sign is if your elevator has trouble leveling at floors properly. Sluggish operation should be addressed.
Are you hearing a groan or moan like Marley from a Christmas Carol when your elevator is going up or down? It may not be the ghosts of Christmases past, present or future. It could be due to cold weather making grease or lubricant sticky. Your lube can dry out over time and the cold maybe exacerbating that process.
If Jack Frost nips at your nose every time you enter the elevator, it may be parking when not in use at the wrong floor. When your elevator car is not being used, you can often choose where it sits. Having it sitting at garage floors or at levels with exterior entrances can put a chill in the air. If you want a cozier ride, have the car when idle parked on a floor with heating.
With ice and bad weather possibly turning your area into a winter wonderland, it is a good idea to check out lowering systems. Many elevators have a way for the elevator to automatically move to the lowest or main floor for egress when the power goes out. Have your technician double check the battery lowering or battery backup system. If the power goes out due to ice storms or heavy snow, the backup is needed. Now is the time to make sure the system is working.
Most elevators have a sump pump in the elevator pit to keep water out! In most cases these sit dormant. However, due to colder temps a water pipe can burst and lead to water running down into the hoistway. If the pump does not do its job, the damage could include expensive elevator components.
Exterior or garage entrances can make for a cold elevator car.
The above is just a short list you can talk over with your elevator maintenance company. If they are not responsive, give you grief or want to charge more for a simple winterization check up…you got the wrong company. Follow through on firing them as soon as you can.
You are responsible for the safe operation of your elevator and the above list will help, but you have to have a willing partner. It is always a good idea to line up maintenance now than dealing with someone stuck, especially when it is cold outside. Be proactive so your elevator can give you years of reliable service. Remember as long as you love your elevator so, you can say let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Happy Holidays from Modular Elevator Manufacturing!
Conclusion – Here’s the Pitch
Not going to say much here, but lots of the above steps can be interrupted by purchasing an elevator that has proprietary parts and components or use proprietary tools. Never, let me repeat, never purchase an elevator with proprietary parts and tools. It is a scam and a rip off to increase your costs and the elevator company’s profits in the long run. Secondarily, never purchase a building with an elevator with proprietary parts. It is largely an unseen future expense that will drive up costs for maintenance agreements.
We at MEM never use proprietary parts and tools. Contact us to find out the reasons why. You can also get a Fast Track Quote by clicking the link below. Lastly, if you are interest in the least, set up a live virtual tour of our facility. You can ask any question you want and find out for your self how we are taking you higher with high-quality commercial elevators.
Cold Slows Elevators – An old saying that we use in the Midwest is, “You’re as slow as molasses.” To put a finer point on it we say, “You’re slower than molasses going up hill.” An even further expanded use for the most turtle like folks is, “You’re slower than molasses going up hill, in a snow storm.” As we all know cold slows everything down. And get this, it turns out cold slows elevators too.
I am not saying that cold weather will reduce the functionality of an existing elevator, although it can happen. Usually you press the button and the elevator will show up as expected. But what I am trying to say is that when adding an elevator to a project, cold weather halts the progress of an elevator installation. This happens in a couple of ways.
Cold Slows Elevators – Hoistway Construction
Traditional elevators require a site built hoistway. In cold temps building one can be a massive challenge. The challenge is both in poured concrete and cmu block construction.
Concrete definitely is a problem child in the winter for shaft or hoistway construction. Pouring concrete is often halted in the colder climates when temps drop in the US and Canada. If it is done anyway the results are often spotty at best. Darrell Bailey from Morton Building, a firm that specializes in metal buildings said, he has seen people try to pour concrete in bad weather with horrible results. He said, “It will freeze and bust. You just can’t pour on frozen ground,” and “that means you are stuck until things thaw out.”
Failure Means More Delays
Sometimes warming the ground with black plastic or concrete blankets can work. But if that fails, additional costs must be expended to redo the work. The other option is to change up the mix of the concrete. A chemical accelerator such as calcium chloride can be used. But that does not mean your cold problems are over. The jobsite pour has to be cured for around a week meaning more blankets or black plastic. In extreme cases heating and hoarding is your only option. If you fail, the structure can heave or have chucks of concrete pop off.
With CMU (concrete blocks), you really shouldn’t proceed in a temperature below 20°F or when the the blocks contain frozen moisture, visible ice, or snow on the surface. That stops a lot of building, especially elevator hoistways. I have personally heard of projects where they pushed the envelope and suffered the consequences when they had to tear down the hoistway and start again.
Modular Shakes Off the Cold
On the other hand, modular building shakes off cold concerns. The work is completed inside a factory. Bad weather? No problem. You do not need to supply a concrete or CMU block elevator shaft on site. The modular elevator includes the hoistway! It doesn’t matter how cold it is outside, our elevator will be produced on schedule.
Cold Slows Elevator – Traditional Installation
The hoistway is not the only problem. One of the worst feeling on earth is when you are turning a wrench in freezing temps and it slips. Ouch! A knuckle buster is bad enough in sunny weather but in the cold? My hands ache just thinking about it. I can have empathy for the elevator installer in cold weather, but that empathy fades a bit when you realize contractually major companies won’t install in cold weather. What?
That’s right, often in the “Job Conditions” section of the contract you signed, you will find language that restricts elevator installation to a comfortable minimum of 55°F (13°C). That’s right, they don’t work in the cold leading many to believe that elevator crews watch the thermometer more than the time clock. If temps drop below the magic number, all you will hear is tires squealing in the parking lot and all you will see is a cloud of dust.
Traditional Techniques are the Problem
But there is a good reason and they are not being big babies about cold hands. The traditional elevator installation is the problem. For an elevator installation the old-fashioned way the elevator must be working. They ride the elevator up and down while they are cobbling all the pieces together. Because the minimum temp for elevator operation is 55° that is the line between being on the clock or not. If it is below that temp, it can void the warranty.
That doesn’t seem like too big a deal right? Until you look into average temps according to the National Climate Report from NOAA. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin it is only above the 55°F mark five months out of the year. The average annual temp is 47.7° in Wisconsin. Also, surprisingly the average temp in the continental US is a chilly 54.4°. The problem is bigger than you think. This could mean delays as the building must in some cases be largely finished before the elevator crew shows up at all. Good luck getting a job done on time.
Modular is the Solution
A modular elevator is completely installed in a hoistway and in a factory! It can be cold or hot, wet or dry outside and it simply does not matter. Your elevator will be completely installed in the factory. When it arrives at the jobsite, it is not installed so to say, but set in place. The setting process takes about 4 hours at most.
Once power is provided all that is left is to turn the elevator on and set it up. A process that takes a couple days. The reason for the short timeline is that all the components are inside and ready to go. It does not matter if it is a freight elevator or a simple elevator with a small capacity. They are all equally as easy to set and start up in no time.
So why use any other method than the MEM modular elevator system? We wonder that too. If you are tired of the excuses and delays it is time to contact us for questions and pricing. We will even schedule a live virtual tour of our manufacturing facility at your convenience. Just click the link below.
