5 Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Stairlifts in Bad Weather

Outdoor living spaces offer freedom, but for many, navigating outdoor stairs can be difficult—especially when weather conditions make them slippery or unsafe. Stannah’s Outdoor 320 stairlift is a durable, weather-resistant solution that provides year-round safety and reliability. Whether it’s rain, snow, or summer heat, your stairlift is designed to endure it all. With a little care and preparation, you can keep your outdoor stairlift in perfect condition and enjoy the comfort it brings for years to come.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your outdoor stairlift is by using the protective cover included with your purchase. Designed to be water resistant and durable, the cover shields the stairlift from rain, snow, dirt, and harsh sunlight.

During the winter months, the cover prevents ice or frost from forming on the seat and controls so the stairlift is ready to use whenever you need it. In warmer weather, the cover protects the stairlift from dust, debris, and UV rays, which can otherwise cause wear over time.

To get the most out of this feature, make it a habit to cover the stairlift after every use. This small step will go a long way in maintaining your stairlift’s longevity and keeping it in top condition year-round.

Winter can make outdoor stairs particularly hazardous, with snow and ice creating slippery surfaces. Your Stannah outdoor stairlift provides a safer alternative, but there are still steps you can take to ensure its smooth operation during freezing temperatures:

• Clear Snow and Ice: Ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to help routinely remove snow and ice from the stairs and rail  to prevent buildup that could affect performance.
• Use the Cover: Always replace the protective cover after use to keep frost and ice off the chair and controls.
• Test Regularly: Run your stairlift occasionally in cold weather to ensure it’s operating smoothly.

The Outdoor 320 stairlift is built with a weather resistant motor, rail, chair, and battery, so it’s designed to perform even in chilly conditions. It also includes:

• Oil impregnated racking to resist rust
• Stainless steel fixings for rust resistance
• Metal parts coated with corrosion resistant paint
• Switches sealed for water resistance
• Computer boards coated with a moisture resistant coating 
• Anodized rail for corrosion resistance

Finally, the safety sensors and swivel seat further enhance your security, making it easy to confidently navigate outdoor stairs.

While outdoor stairlifts are made to handle dirt, rain, and other environmental factors, routine maintenance is key to keeping them in optimal condition.

Periodically inspect the area around the stairlift for obstructions. While keeping your stairs free of debris is good practice, our Planned Maintenance is necessary for a full internal tune-up and cleaning. We recommend all stairlifts have Planned Maintenance yearly to ensure their continued durability.

Rainy days can make outdoor stairs slippery and unsafe, but your Stannah outdoor stairlift is designed to offer reliable access no matter the conditions. Its motor, battery, rail, and chair are built to resist rain damage, while hard-wired controls at the top and bottom of the stairs ensure dependable operation.

To keep your stairlift functioning seamlessly during wet weather:

• Replace the protective cover after each use to shield the chair and controls from the elements.
• Test Regularly: Run your stairlift occasionally to ensure it’s operating smoothly when you need it, regardless of the weather.

These small precautions ensure your stairlift remains safe, dry, and ready to use.

The heat of summer can also present challenges for outdoor stairlifts, particularly in areas with prolonged sun exposure. Stannah stairlifts are built with UV-resistant plastic to prevent fading and withstand temperatures up to 105°F, making them well-suited for hot climates.

To prepare for extreme heat:

• Keep the protective cover on when the stairlift is not in use to shield it from direct sunlight.
• Check the seat and controls before use to ensure they haven’t become too hot from the sun.
• Test Regularly: Run your stairlift occasionally to ensure it’s operating smoothly in hot weather.

With proper care, your outdoor stairlift will continue to perform reliably through the hottest months of the year.

An outdoor stairlift provides the freedom to safely navigate outdoor stairs in all kinds of weather. Whether you have concrete, steel, stone, or solid wood stairs, Stannah’s Outdoor 320 stairlift is designed to meet your needs.

With over 40 years of experience in manufacturing stairlifts, Stannah has perfected the balance between durability, safety, and comfort. Here’s why the Outdoor 320 is a standout choice:

• Weather Resistant Design: Water resistant components and a protective cover ensure year-round usability.
• UV Resistance: Built to withstand sun exposure without fading.
• Safety Features: Equipped with safety sensors, landing controls, and a secure key lock.

Imagine leaving your house with confidence, knowing you can return safely without the struggle of navigating wet, icy, or steep stairs. Stannah stairlifts make this possible, rain or shine.

Ready to make your outdoor spaces safer and more accessible? Sign up for a free stairlift survey and quote today to see how Stannah’s Outdoor 320 stairlift can transform your home.