Elevator cabs are the most damaged area in any construction project. Every trade, every delivery, and every piece of equipment passes through. Without proper protection, elevator damage can cost $10,000-$50,000 to repair.
High-Risk Areas
- Door frames: Cart and equipment collisions cause dents and scratches on every floor
- Interior walls: Tool bags, ladders, and furniture scrape stainless steel and laminate panels
- Floor: Heavy loads, debris, and chemical spills damage cab flooring
- Ceiling: Tall equipment and careless handling damage lighting and ceiling panels
Protection Plan
Door Frames
Install L-shaped impact-resistant edge guards on all door frame edges. Secure with Velcro straps — no adhesive. Replace guards between construction phases if heavily damaged.
Interior Walls
Apply heavy-duty floor protectors vertically, covering wall panels from floor to ceiling. Secure at the top with clean-removal tape. This absorbs impacts and prevents direct contact with the cab finish.
Floor
Lay breathable floor protectors with taped seams. For extra protection in freight elevators, add a layer of plywood over the protector.
Timing
Install elevator protection before the first trade begins work — not after the first damage report. Remove only during final cleaning and inspection.
