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Ways to Maintain Code Compliance on Each Job

August 21, 2024
Not only are SnapCab Elevator Cab interiors beautiful, they also adhere to fire codes, ASME A17.1 and are ADA compliant.

Code compliance; it’s an integral part of the design and installation processes of elevator interiors. When an interior does not meet applicable regulations, it grounds the entire project. How can you assure customers that their elevators will be installed on time and fully functional? Just use this “cheat sheet” to help you keep the project compliant.

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Ways to Maintain Code Compliance on Each Job

Code compliance; it’s an integral part of the design and installation processes of elevator interiors. When an interior does not meet applicable regulations, it grounds the entire cab modernization. How can you assure customers that you can install their elevators on-time and have them fully functional? Just use this “cheat sheet” to help you keep the project compliant.

August 21, 2024

Not only are SnapCab Elevator Cab interiors beautiful, they also adhere to fire codes, ASME A17.1 and are ADA compliant.
Not only are SnapCab Elevator Cab interiors beautiful, they also adhere to fire codes, ASME A17.1 and are ADA compliant.

Code Compliance: Top Red Flags To Look For

Trained elevator mechanics know what to look for and can spot red flags that can keep customers’ interiors from passing elevator safety inspections. The checklist below includes the top elevator code compliance issues you should be on the lookout for.

Adherence to Fire Codes

While some states and jurisdictions (e.g. Nevada, California, and NYC) have stricter elevator codes than others, most cities and states use ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

One of the requirements is that inspectors must test all combustible materials for their end-use configuration. For instance, it is not sufficient to test a piece of laminate, particle board, and adhesive individually. You must assemble and test the entire panel, as a unit, before it complies with code.

Use of Glass

Mount laminated and tempered properly to withstand required elevator tests without damage. In addition, manufacturers must mark each piece with the applicable glazing standard.

ADA Standards

Elevator interiors must comply with American with Disabilities Act requirements if the building is more than three stories tall or larger than 3,000 square feet per story.

A few of ADA’s regulations include:

  • Mounting buttons 42 inches above the floor.
  • Handrails are not required by the ADA. However, your specific jurisdiction may require them. Installers typically mount them 32 inches above the floor.
  • Cabs must be large enough to allow a wheelchair to make a 360 degree turn.

Ventilation

ASME A17.1 requires elevators to have natural ventilation that equals 3.5% of the floor area. For example, in a typical 2,500 pound-capacity elevator, that would be 142 square inches. Divide the ventilation equally between floor and ceiling (for example, a ceiling fan opening and toe kick ventilation).

Tamper-Resistant Installation

Common tools should not be able to remove the elevator panels. Ensure that any panels covering openings greater than 0.5 inches, with straight-through passages, cannot be removed from the inside of the cab.

Lighting

Elevator interiors must have at least two bulbs and passenger elevators need a minimum illumination of 50 lux, or five foot candles. Proper mounting is essential to avoid accidental breakage. Lights must be sturdy enough to go through the required elevator tests without them being damaged or jarred loose.

Weight Restrictions

When you remove the interior of an elevator, it has to weigh the same as the old interior or be within 5%. Staying within that slim margin is critical.

Music

All passenger elevators are required to play the soothing sounds of elevator music.

Okay, you got us. Elevator cabs don’t need music to be code compliant. We just wanted to make sure you were paying attention!

SnapCab Elevator Cab interiors check all the boxes to ensure customer’s projects are Code Compliant every time.

Because of these regulations, which can and do fill volumes, it’s vital that a certified elevator mechanic – not a maintenance person – completes every installation. It requires an entirely different set of skills and know-how. If the interior fails to comply with regulations, the project shuts down, and this can impact the entire building’s functionality. Not to mention the budget and timeline.

Elevator and building code compliance is complex, but non-negotiable. Partnering with an experienced interior company ensures that your customers’ elevators meet all applicable standards – which to them means completing projects safely, on-time, and on-budget. Fortunately, with the right partner, getting that compliant “elevator certificate” can be simple. If they’ll do the heavy lifting, you can get back to focusing on the rest of your project and rest assured that the final results will be up to code.

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How to Accurately Order Your Elevator Interior System

July 22, 2024
Knowing how to accurately measure and order your elevator interior is essential for ensuring the customer’s project is completed on time.

Complete every detail on your order form to avoid delays. Missing information, even minor, can stall projects for weeks. Accurate measurements and proactive planning ensure timely delivery, keeping your project on track and customers satisfied.

Insights

How to Accurately Order Your Elevator Interior System

Complete every detail on your order form to avoid delays. Missing information, even minor, can stall projects for weeks. Accurate measurements and proactive planning ensure timely delivery, keeping your project on track and customers satisfied.

July 22, 2024

Knowing how to accurately measure and order your elevator interior is essential for ensuring the customer’s project is completed on time.
Knowing how to accurately measure and order your elevator interior is essential for ensuring the customer’s project is completed on time.

When filling out your order form, remember to complete every space. Omissions on the form can prevent your customers from receiving their products on time. So, even if you think your elevator interior partner doesn’t need to know your existing ceiling details or front wall information, these details are critical. Without them, a project can stall for days, or even weeks, while an additional field visit is necessary to gather the pertinent information.

A proactive approach, and a small amount of time now, ensures your customers get their elevator interiors on time and that your project can proceed as scheduled.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Accurate measurements ensure optimal results, so it’s worth taking the time to measure twice. It’s important that your elevator interior provider knows everything about your cab. Some tips to help you get started:

  1. Always measure from the cab itself – not the drawings.
  2. Measure to the nearest 1/16th of an inch. Some manufacturers have a built-in safety margin, so if you’re slightly off, it won’t show up on the wall.
  3. For accurate wall measurements, measure from one corner to the middle and make a mark. Measure from the other corner to the mark then add those two figures.
  4. If you’re not sure how to accurately measure a feature (e.g. a radius), snap a picture and email it to your interior provider for more information. A technician will be able to walk you through it.

And remember, fill in every space! This includes transom dimensions, COP location, and more. Blank spots can delay your project and cause errors.

At SnapCab, we offer training to help better understand the surveying process for elevator interiors. This helps mechanics take accurate measurements, the foundation of a smooth ordering process.

Elevator interiors should be easy and convenient on installation day – but that’s not enough. The entire process, from start to finish, should be designed to help your team get the job done on time and on budget. The ordering process sets the tone for the entire project. Is it simple? Expedient? When it is, not only will customers be highly-satisfied with their interiors – they’ll know who to turn to for their next project.

“The videos have been extremely productive for our people. They were able to understand them and work off of them. That is rare in the elevator business. We were able to have a field person understand it without having to manage more people getting involved. I am impressed with the product and impressed with the service.”

At SnapCab, we offer training to help better understand the surveying process for elevator interiors. This helps elevator mechanics confidently take accurate measurements quickly, which is foundational for ensuring a smooth ordering process. To learn more about the Elevator Academy, sign up or watch training videos on measuring for cladding and interiors.

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Everything You Need to Know About SnapCab’s Elevator Interior System

July 20, 2024
In an industry built on innovation and problem-solving, we continue to develop creative solutions for 21st-century needs and challenges with SnapCab elevator interior systems

The elevator was the key to the modern city; it revolutionized the entire nature of buildings – and how people interact with them. In an industry built on innovation and problem-solving, SnapCab continues to develop creative solutions for 21st-century needs and challenges.

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Everything You Need to Know About SnapCab’s Elevator Interior System

The elevator was the key to the modern city; it revolutionized the entire nature of buildings – and how people interact with them. In an industry built on innovation and problem-solving, SnapCab continues to develop creative solutions for 21st-century needs and challenges.

July 20, 2024

In an industry built on innovation and problem-solving, we continue to develop creative solutions for 21st-century needs and challenges with SnapCab elevator interior systems
In an industry built on innovation and problem-solving, we continue to develop creative solutions for 21st-century needs and challenges with SnapCab elevator interior systems

We have over 25,000 installations across the country, maintain strong relationships with all major elevator maintenance companies and grow strategic partnerships with heavyweights like Corning Inc. Because of this, SnapCab has become the undisputed leader in elevator interior systems. But we’re not letting that make us complacent; continuous innovations and improvement continue to be the foundation of our high-rising company.

What is the SnapCab System?

The SnapCab elevator interior system consists of modular, interlocking panels that stack one on top of the other. Thanks to this streamlined installation method, pioneered by SnapCab Founder and CEO Glenn Bostock, workers can finish the job in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost. Instead of days, you can remodel an elevator in hours. One-day installation delivers significant cost savings to customers and ensures minimal downtime for their elevators.

Back in 1996, SnapCab filed for a patent on our panel system. Our patented wall paneling system has been a ground-breaking innovation in the elevator industry. Unlike traditional methods, our panels interlock seamlessly, offering unmatched ease of installation and removal.

Effortless Assembly and Disassembly

Our interlocking panels connect securely yet can be easily dismantled for maintenance or reconfiguration, saving time and labor costs.

Versatility

Suitable for various support structures, including direct installation onto studs without the need for drywall, enhancing flexibility and reducing material costs.

Efficiency in Large Panel Installations

Specifically designed for elevators, our system allows for quick and economical assembly of large panels — a task traditionally labor-intensive and costly.

Our system makes remodeling elevator interiors a far more efficient process in two main ways:
  1. Before Installation

    SnapCab’s modular systems relieve the headache of code compliance and weight restrictions when planning and designing new elevator interiors. All SnapCab products are E84 tested in their end use-configurations, so cab interiors meet the ASME code requirements. And every quote comes with the product weights listed so there’s no guesswork.

  2. During Installation

    Our interlocking panels simple and quick to install. We streamline this process, even further, by including every single item elevator mechanics need to complete the job. (We even include the garbage bags to dispose of post-install waste!) This eliminates the downtime for trips to the hardware store or back to the shop. At the same time, we do not sacrifice aesthetics for ease and convenience. We have an enormous variety of quality materials, finishes, and styles for customers to choose from. We make it easy for clients to achieve unique design goals and create the look and feel they want.

SnapCab’s elevator interior systems, like this Contemporary II model, are simple to install and offer quality materials, finishes and styles to meet unique design goals.

Why Elevator Interiors? SnapCab: A History of Craftsmanship and Problem Solving

During his childhood, Glenn Bostock sowed the seeds for SnapCab in his parents’ workshop, where he spent hours working with wood. As a young adult, he studied Fine Wood Working at Bucks County Community College and apprenticed as an ecclesiastical furniture maker. Following this, Glenn opened his own shop specializing in high-end furniture and custom cabinetry, as well as wood repair and refinishing.

One day, a company contacted Glenn about remodeling its elevators to match the reception desk. As word of the successful modernization got out, he spent more time remodeling elevator interiors. This was a job few people did, as the practice of removing the entire cab to work on it was slow and arduous. In addition, traditional cab interiors used complicated clip systems that took 3 to 4 days to install.

To remedy this, Glenn developed his patented panel system and SnapCab was born. Since then, we have been helping customers save time, money, and aggravation on remodels and new builds for over 40 years now.

A craftsman at heart, Glenn and the SnapCab team devote exacting, meticulous care into all our work. The result: visually stunning interiors that meet applicable codes – and customers’ high expectations.

Less Hassle, Better Results: The Simple SnapCab Philosophy

One phrase easily sums up the SnapCab philosophy: Elevator interiors simplified. We tailor everything – from designing to ordering to installing – for ease, convenience, and superior results. The emphasis on simplicity, value, and exceptional customer service is intertwined through every facet of the business:

On Time

We deliver panels – and everything teams needs to install them – on time. This is evidenced by our better than 98% on time delivery over the last 3 years.

Ready To Go

Our team works hard to complete as many of the finishing details as possible. We provide a fully complete solution that reduces are clients’ install time and lessens the impact on the building’s occupants.

Tailored To the Customer

We respect the individual budgets and timelines of each unique project. In addition, our team works tirelessly to meet each customer’s unique needs.

360 Degree Support

Friendly, expert advice is available throughout the process from start to finish.

Safety Obsessed

Quality, Compliance, Ease, and Efficiency – these are pillars of the SnapCab system. But they all take a backseat to the most critical factor: safety.

No Fear Culture

Innovation is a way of life for the SnapCab team; we encourage our employees to solve problems with creative collaboration.

At SnapCab, our philosophy is: Elevator Interiors Simplified. We make great elevator interior systems because of our amazing people who care about providing exceptional customer service.

Ordered, Personalized, Delivered: A Look at the SnapCab Manufacturing Process

We manufacture our made to order paneling systems in Canada and the USA. The process is simple: the customers select the panel style they want and send us the cab interior’s measurements. Upon receiving the information, we get to work manufacturing them in one of our facilities.

Clients can modify the models in our catalog to meet specific aesthetic requirements. In this way, they always have the ability and flexibility to achieve their design goals. Rather than investing time and cost on a fully custom job, clients can optimize their design to fit within standard models. In other words, SnapCab elevator interior systems help you cut down on costs without cutting down on aesthetics and quality.

Additionally, with free design services, including presentation boards and 3D renderings, customers can see their design coming to life before their interior ever arrives in the building. Most recently we have built an online configurator to allow users to design their own model. Check out our design tool!

Thanks to our quality standards, we test all our catalog models for E84 end-use configuration. We do this by assembling the individual components as a unit (as they will be in the customer’s elevator interior). We then test them to ensure safety and code-compliance.

Lean and Mean: How Smarter Manufacturing Enables Better Customer Service

SnapCab values continuous improvement! The Lean Manufacturing model encourages our entire team to constantly innovate. We are constantly improving quality, reducing lead-time and decreasing waste. Thanks to this culture of improvement, we can focus on teamwork and effective communications. What does this mean for our customers? High-quality products delivered on time, at the lowest possible cost and with greater efficiency.

We employ lean methods such as 5S (Sort, Shine, Set in order, Standardize, and Sustain). Along with systems like Total Productive Maintenance, Kanbans, Value Stream Mapping, and more. These practices allow us to efficiently and quickly provide high-quality products for exceptional elevator interiors. By doing this, we pass cost and resource savings on to our customers.

Our Lean manufacturing process caught the eye of Corning Incorporated (creators of Gorilla® Glass). Together, we can leverage our respective histories of innovation to develop creative solutions for the next generation of elevator interiors.

Remodels and New Builds: Simplify Elevator Interiors

SnapCab systems work with all elevator cab shells; our versatile solutions can and will enhance the appearance and durability of our customers’ interiors. In addition to world-class elevator interior panels and ceilings, we provide thoughtful, timely, and high-quality service and support. SnapCab elevator interior systems are here to simplify modernizations – or new builds – every step of the way.

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What Custom, Modified, and Standard Means at SnapCab

June 2, 2024

Elevators rely on balance to operate safely and efficiently. Balance is equally essential to the success of your elevator interior projects: you need to evaluate timelines and budgets – without compromising aesthetics – and deliver solutions that work. Which is the best way to do that: standard, modified, or custom interiors?

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What Custom, Modified, and Standard Means at SnapCab

Elevators rely on balance to operate safely and efficiently. Balance is equally essential to the success of your elevator interior projects: you need to evaluate timelines and budgets – without compromising aesthetics – and deliver solutions that work. Which is the best way to do that: standard, modified, or custom interiors?

June 2, 2024

SnapCab: Redefining “Standard” Elevator Interiors


SnapCab’s patented system of interlocking panels work with virtually any elevator cab. You simply choose a design and the features your client wants from our comprehensive catalog. It’s that easy.

Elevator Interiors Simplified.
Benefits of opting for a standard SnapCab elevator interior model include:

Major Efficiencies

Modular systems allow for maximized yields on raw materials, streamlined production practices, and utilization of standard components. Every step of the process, from quoting and approvals, to ordering and installing, is faster – and much less expensive.

Wide Array of Design Options

Often, though, when people hear “standard,” they think “boring Z clip laminate panels.” And that can be true – of other systems. SnapCab’s interiors are designed for adaptability. A modular system starts with a standard panel configuration. The composition of the layers has a myriad of color and texture choices built in that allow for flexible design combinations.

Code Compliance without the Hassle

Standard products are end-use configuration tested. For example, wall panels consist of a surface material, substrate, and adhesive. All of these are tested as a complete assembly to ensure they comply with applicable codes. Straight out of the catalog, you can be assured that these systems meet applicable fire regulations.

Innovative Materials

Through the use of innovative materials, notably Gorilla® Glass, and Gage, standard cabs can pop with color and come alive with clarity and beauty. You can achieve exact color matches and take advantage of beautiful patterns and textures. Other materials, such as Wilsonart® Laminate, Wilsonart® Compact, and Rigidized® Metals, offer the perfect blend of form and function, helping achieve the right look and feel.

SnapCab’s standard models offer versatility, variety, and results that won’t break the budget or your schedule. Not to mention, they look great.

Need Something Else? Modified Elevator Interiors


Modified elevator interiors use existing designs and layouts as a foundation and alter them to fit the cab and the client’s needs.

Bostock Custom Cabs are here to help you with your custom interior needs. Say, for instance, that you like the Prism model, but you only want the Gorilla Glass on the back wall to save some money or it better fits your building’s design. Bostock Custom Cabs will then quote you a Modified Prism with whatever material from the catalog you want on the side walls. This is one case in which a modified interior can help you achieve your project goals.

Benefits of working with a modified elevator interior include:

Greater Flexibility

If the standard model doesn’t have quite the right look, you can alter standard catalog models to create a perfect fit. We can modify layouts, material combinations, inlay styles, and other elements to accommodate your needs. 

Cost and Time-Savings

Modifying an existing model is less expensive and requires far less lead time than undertaking a full custom job. The base for the modified interior already exists: you don’t have to wait for manufacturers or suppliers to reinvent that wheel. They just need to enhance it a bit.

Code Compliance

Because you’re not building from scratch, the modified SnapCab models will still be end-use configuration tested. This ensures they’re code-compliant when you receive them.

While a great solution for any number of projects, modified interiors do have a few drawbacks:

Increased Cost

Yes, we did just say modified interiors saved you money! And they do – compared to custom jobs. Alterations, though, may push the cost higher than a standard model. Swapping finishes or switching for a higher-end material, for instance, will likely increase the price.

Slightly Longer Processes

Again, this is compared to standard models. Catalog versions, for instance, can be quoted in minutes. For a modified interior, that can slightly extend the quoting time-frame to a day or two.

Likewise, lead times can be longer and, depending on the modifications, installation may be more time-consuming.

Starting from Scratch: Custom Cabs


Custom interiors are built from the ground up, so to speak, with each detail tailored to the exact specifications of the client. This can apply to every aspect of the interior, from panel size, material, and finishes to ceilings, inlays, and toe kicks.
Now, when most people hear “custom,” they tend to think “better!” There is certainly a cache to custom models, and the results can be stunning. The benefits of customized cabs include:

Meet Client Specifications Exactly

This enables architects and designers to create interiors that complement the rest of the building without compromising on any detail.

Unlimited Freedom

While professionals still have to work within applicable guidelines and regulations, they are not limited to specific color palettes, finishes, or material choices.

Here comes the “but.” But custom does have a number of disadvantages, including:

Lost Efficiencies

The efficiencies offered by standard is lost with custom jobs. Manufacturers essentially have to start from zero and build something they’ve never built before. This means it takes longer to do everything – from quoting to ordering to installing. As we mentioned earlier, for example, a standard cab takes a few minutes to quote, while a modified interior may take an extra day. Custom quotes can take a week or longer. And this is just one piece of the process.

Increased Cost

The lengthened processes and need to custom-manufacture each element drives the cost higher.

Mandated Testing

Custom interiors are not usually covered under the end-use configuration testing that SnapCab conducts on its standard models. This means that each assembly has to be tested to ensure that it meets applicable regulations. Failure to comply can cause costly delays.

Before you set your mind to custom, though, make sure you talk to one of our design experts to see if there is a standard or modified interior that closely meets your project’s needs. Schedule a free design session and our team can walk you through all of the various options and point you towards the perfect cab interior for your building. Often, alternative materials or methods can render a custom job unnecessary. A value-engineered solution may be able to save customers money – and save you time and headaches. 

When completing an elevator interior build or remodel, you have to weigh budgets, timelines, and aesthetic concerns and help your customer install a solution that will meet their specific needs. In most cases, standard or modified can help you find the right balance.

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