Preparing the lift doorways: a guide for builders

1. Clear opening

Every doorway must match the measurements on your signed HLA general arrangement drawing.

• Plumb and square. The opening is vertical and square from the pit floor to the top of the shaft, within ±5 mm.
• Keep it clear. No conduits, pipes or column edges may stick into the door opening.

2. Lintel beams and solid backing

Lift doors carry the door operator, locks and panels, so they must be fixed to solid structure.

• Lintel. Cast an RCC lintel beam, at least 150 mm deep, across the top of every door opening.
• Sides. Door jambs need solid concrete, 9-inch solid brickwork or steel framing behind them. Fixings in hollow blocks will not hold.

3. Finished floor level and the sill

The sill is the track the landing doors run on. It must sit flush with the finished floor outside.

• Fix the final level early. Mark the finished floor level on the walls, including tile bed, granite or marble thickness, before our technicians fix the door frames.
• No lip, no dip. The step from the corridor into the lift must be flat, for children, older people and wheelchairs.

4. Marble, granite and timber finishes

1. Order of work. Fix the HLA door frames, anchors and wiring first. Your finisher puts the stone or timber trim on afterwards.
2. Keep the door path clear. Decorative stone or panels must not intrude on the door's travel, or on the swing of a manual door.
3. Leave the emergency key access. Never cover or plaster over the release keyhole on the door frame. It must stay reachable for maintenance and rescue.