Balcony

How do I make my balcony safe?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Any building, whether residential or commercial, can benefit greatly from the addition of a balcony. People living there and working there are able to kick back and enjoy the scenery thanks to the generous amounts of space both have at their disposal. However, guests' safety can be compromised by a lack of waterproof balcony flooring, improper railings, or unrepaired structural elements. Here, we'll go over some best practises for keeping your balcony looking nice and keeping it safe for guests.

    Did you know that balconies are particularly perilous for curious toddlers and older kids who like to push their own limits? It's crucial to ensure your balcony is child-safe before you consider childproofing your home. This holds true whether you have a two-story house or an apartment in a skyscraper. Because the concept of vertical living is growing more popular and a lot of luxury apartment complexes are being created in each major city, it is now more vital than ever to explore ways to make your balcony safe for children.

    Young people have a natural inclination to explore their surroundings. Despite the fact that most developers are now making balconies and staircases less hazardous for children, the ultimate responsibility for a child's safety falls on the shoulders of the child's parents.

    Now that we've covered how to make stairs safer for kids, let's talk about some basic but effective measures parents may take to keep their children from falling over balconies.

    Check out Hitch Property Constructions for a wide range of balcony repairs.

    Ways to Improve High-Rise Balcony Safety

    Curiousness is innate in children. The risk of injury increases because of their penchant for climbing, touching, watching, and investigating. Everyone should be worried about this, but families in apartment buildings or other high-rise buildings are especially at risk. This is especially true when one considers the fact that, according to statistics, the vast majority of accidental kid falls occur from a height. Most seriously concerning are apartment building balconies. In an effort to reduce the number of tragic deaths, we are requesting that all parents and landlords instal these balcony guards.

    Balcony

    Invisible Grilles

    When it comes to safety, invisible grilles are unrivalled. Guarding balconies with these steel wire railings helps prevent accidents involving young children. Because they can be customised to fit each family's unique living situation and come in portable varieties, they can be of great aid to families looking for a solution that will be needed just temporarily in their leased houses. Due to their construction from stainless steel, invisible grilles are extremely durable. A wire cutter can still be used to sever them, though. That makes them useless as a kind of burglary prevention for a building. Even though invisible grilles are the modern equivalent of traditional grilles, they are nonetheless somewhat noticeable. You can make out the thin wires that stretch over, and your perspective on the world beyond is not perfect.

    Glass Curtains®

    Glass Curtains is a fully retractable balcony inclosure that may turn an underutilised space into a sanctuary that can be enjoyed all year round. This groundbreaking technology, for which a European patent has been issued, is protected from imitation and was designed for widespread application and maximum durability and safety. The usage of Teflon Transport System and toughened glass components allows it to provide several benefits to families. Tests have shown that Glass Curtains® can keep the inside of a building dry in spite of heavy rain and can reduce the volume of outside traffic noise to the same level as that of moderate background music. A maintenance-free Teflon Transport System gets rid of the requirement for rubber wheels, which can wear out over time, and ball bearings, which can corrode and have sliding friction.

    Glass Curtains® are extremely stable and trustworthy due to the fact that the weight of the glass panels is distributed uniformly over the bottom of the tracks. There are no unsightly frames separating the glass panels, so apartment tenants get an unobstructed view of the horizon. A further cutting-edge example is the Flying DoorTM opening system. It's up to the users to decide whether they want a partial windbreak from the glass panels or full ventilation. Additionally, a sidelock mechanism can be used for supplementary security. Parents may rest easy knowing their kids can run about freely in the complex thanks to the glass inclosure that eliminates the risk of fatal falls from upper floors.

    Outdoor Blinds and Ziptrak®

    Households that want an extra layer of protection from the elements can also benefit greatly from installing outdoor blinds. Louvre shutters, PVC blinds, and external venetian blinds can all be customised to fit a wide range of needs. These blinds have a wide range of applications, although they struggle in extreme conditions. They obstruct the view and necessitate constant maintenance and repair.

    In contrast, Ziptrak® is an advanced track-guided blind system created to provide shelter from unfavourable climatic elements like rain, heat, wind, haze, insects, and even falls! The spring-balanced mechanism it uses is among the finest commercially available. It is not need to utilise any sort of cranks or ropes in order to operate the blind. You may adjust the height by pulling it down and then pushing it up; once you let go, it will stay put. Extensive testing has been done on Ziptrak® to ensure that it completely blocks the wind and rain. The design is so well-fitted to the vertical tracks that not even the fiercest gusts will cause any shaking. The blind may be locked in the lowered position for further security. In addition to being available in manual and motorised geared forms, Ziptrak® can cover openings up to 6 metres wide, making it a stylish and practical option.

    Safety Nets

    A safety nett installed over the balcony is one of the simplest and most fundamental preventative precautions one may take. Most hardware stores carry the materials for netting, and it only takes a few minutes to buy what you need, cut it to size, and hang it up. The balcony may not seem pretty with the netting, but it's big enough to let the kids and the dog out for some fresh air without much risk of being attacked by a mosquito or other flying insect. Keep in mind that while netts have been shown to be efficient at preventing pests like birds from entering the home, they cannot guarantee the entire absence of risk.

    Additional Slats and Spindles

    There are a few things parents of young children should always remember when living in an apartment with a balcony.

    • elimination of any horizontal railing sections that could be used as footholds by climbing children.
    • securing the balcony's edge by removing any furniture or other decorative things that could be used as a climbing surface.
    • Balcony access doors should be locked at all times and kept that way to prevent children from falling off.

    In addition to this, the balcony railing can be made safer by adding vertical slats or spindles to fill in the gaps between the current railing pieces.

    Kid-Proofing the Balcony

    Before letting your kids play on the balcony, make sure it is safe. A child's innate curiosity can lead them into potentially dangerous situations. There are a few things to bear in mind when planning a kid-friendly balcony:

    Make Sure Your Railings Are Well Fortified and High Enough

    Young children frequently approach railings in order to get a better view of the world beyond. Be sure the railing is installed properly and that it can withstand normal use. The height of the balcony railing is another crucial aspect to think about. Ensure that your balcony railing is high enough on all sides so that your youngster cannot climb up onto it. Small children may try to gain access to your balcony through low horizontal bars that look like ladders.

    Cover up Any Gap More Than 4 Inches

    Those spaces in your railing that are wider than 4 inches should be sealed. Kids can get themselves imprisoned by poking their heads or hands out of the barrier. Plexiglas or a balcony shield can be used to fill in these spaces.

    Make Sure No Sharp Objects or Tools Are Lying About

    If you want to make your balcony kid-friendly, you'll need to give some thought to what you keep out there. If you store harmful chemicals or fertilisers, sharp tools, or any other potentially hazardous products outside, make sure to lock them away safely. Children of all ages are naturally curious, so it's best not to leave any dangerous objects lying about the house.

    Keep the Furniture Away From the Railings

    Ensure that none of your outside pieces are too close to any sharp corners. To reach the railing, the kids can use the furniture as a footing.

    After you've taken all the required measures to ensure the safety of your young children on the balcony, here are some fun things to do with them in the backyard.

    Looking for balcony repairs Melbourne? Look no further. Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.

    Replace Your Balcony Railings

    Make sure there are no gaps in your balcony railings larger than 4 inches.

    If your balcony rails are low or can be readily scaled, you must immediately replace them with something higher and more safe.

    Cable and wire rope, for instance, can be used to construct railings that are both inexpensive and aesthetically beautiful. Despite this, there is usually enough space between each post for a toddler to walk between with little to no problem at all. Similarly, some modern metal fences may look sleek and sophisticated, but their height makes it possible for a toddler to climb them.

    Both scenarios carry the risk of putting lives at jeopardy.

    Depending on your budget and the local regulations, you may be able to instal a high wrought iron railing or a metal grill that a youngster cannot climb over or squeeze through. The maximum allowed spacing between your balcony railings is four inches. When it comes to childproofing your balcony, a concrete parapet is not only a fantastic alternative, but also an affordable one. Meanwhile, if you're worried about your vision being blocked by tall grills, a transparent balcony shield constructed of waist-high plexiglass will keep your kids safe without getting in the way.

    You should also make sure the balcony railing was installed properly and won't come loose in the near future, even if it's the right height and there are no large holes.

    For the sake of your children's safety, this is one of the most important pieces of advise about balcony use.

    While we wait, here are some more balcony railing ideas that will improve your home's kerb appeal and keep your kids safe.

    Install Balcony Safety Mesh

    To safeguard kids from harm when they play on a balcony, this is one of the cheapest options.

    You can use wire or plastic mesh to reinforce your balcony railing in place of a costly replacement. Installing a kid safety nett on the balcony is not a permanent solution, and it is not a guarantee that no children of any age would ever climb it, but it will discourage infants, toddlers, and young children from doing so. Having a safety mesh for balcony can also alleviate your concerns about your kids losing toys through the grill's openings. This is because communication with them will be impossible.

    There is no shortage of hardware stores stocked with wire and plastic balcony safety netting to protect your kids. A child safety nett for the balcony can be ordered from an internet store, and the buyer can even choose the colour.

    In addition to being simple to set up and swap out, these balcony safety netts for kids are also incredibly affordable.

    Remove Furniture From The Balcony

    Without adult supervision, kids can utilise patio sets as a stepping stone to climb over a balcony railing.

    I was hoping you might have some extra furniture on your balcony, like a table or some chairs. If your child is of an age where they can move furniture onto the balcony but not yet old enough to understand the risks involved, you should keep a close eye on them at all times.

    One of the quickest and easiest ways to make the balcony child-friendly is to remove any outdoor furniture that may have been left out in the open. No matter how much you appreciate your nightly cup of tea on the balcony, you really should remember to bring everything back inside.

    There should be nothing your child can use as a stepping stool, such as a box, a plant pot, or a toy, on the balcony. This is a crucial safety measure since children have vivid imaginations. A balcony shield that allows visibility is recommended if the railing contains a hole shaped like a ladder in case of an emergency, to prevent youngsters from climbing it. But don't leave it wide open, either; you never know when an emergency might arise and you'll need that extra space.

    Additionally, invest in substantial pieces of furniture to make the balcony a secure area for kids to play. Bringing heavy pieces of furniture out to the balcony and then climbing up on top of them to gain a better look at what's happening below is a lot of work.

    Get Safety Locks And Latches

    This is another tried-and-true method of balcony safety that serves to keep unattended children out of the area.

    There is always the chance that your child will climb up onto the balcony while you're working, even if you take all of the precautions that you need to. Even with great caution, this is still a possibility. The door leading to your balcony should have two locks installed as a childproofing safeguard. Even if the door has a built-in lock, a latch can be purchased at any hardware store and installed in a place where it is out of your child's reach. Remember that kids are naturally inquisitive, so they might be able to figure out the lock on the door just by watching you do it a few times.

    Regular users of the balcony should be reminded to always double-check that the door is properly secured behind them and that the latch is in the proper position before entering the house.

    One of the best methods to keep your balcony kid-friendly is to instal a fence.

    Invest In A Door Alarm

    One of the best ways to ensure the safety of your loved ones, especially your children, is to set up a home security alarm system.

    A house alarm system is your last, although certainly not least, choice. It will deter burglars from entering your property and make your balcony a safe place for your kids to play. As one of the more expensive balcony safety measures, this is something you should seriously consider. You may rest assured that your little children will not be able to sneak out onto the balcony using this strategy.

    There is a large variety of home security alarm systems to choose from, but you should still consult an expert before deciding on one for your own property.

    Unfortunately, many young children who accidentally fall off a balcony have serious injuries or even die. Thus, it is crucial that you follow these instructions about the safety of balconies for children if you have small children living in your home. On top of that, parents should use firm discipline and explain to their kids why it's not a good idea for them to try to scale the railing or squeeze through the openings in the railing's design.

    Kid-Friendly Balcony Activities

    Outdoor Splash Pool

    Convert your balcony into an exciting outdoor splash pool for your kids to enjoy. Consider purchasing an inflatable pool to cool down in during the summer. Because of this, your kids will be able to have fun playing in the water on the balcony. Find out how much weight your balcony can actually hold.

    Sandbox Play Area

    To keep your child occupied and out of your hair while you get things done, build them a fun sandbox in the backyard. Making a sandbox out of an old bookshelf and filling it with toys will keep the kids entertained and the sand from being tracked back inside.

    Chalkboard Wall

    Create a blackboard on the balcony wall so your kid can use it to express themselves creatively.

    Outdoor Camping Area

    Converting your balcony into an outdoor tenting place for your kid won't take long at all. The best way to inspire your kids to do new things is to set up a tipi in the corner of your gallery, complete with a picnic table nearby.

    Play Table

    Transform your balcony into the best place ever for a game of chess or chequers. Set up a table in the centre of the room, flanked by seats, and fill it with a wide selection of board games and card games. Numerous board games, from Jenga and Monopoly to Sequence and many more!

    Balcony Gardening for Kids

    Make a special planting area in your garden where the kids can put the seeds you gave them to grow. Give them a piece of land to tend to as their own garden and watch how they respond to the added responsibility.

    Outdoor Play Fort

    Put together a simple fort or playhouse in the backyard for your kid. Your child will enjoy playing in any type of house, from a dollhouse to a castle full of pirates.

    Hitch Property Constructions has a wide range of the Melbourne balcony repairs right here.

    Craft Table

    Provide your child with an outdoor craft station to encourage their imagination. Put it to good use by engaging in creative pursuits with your kids, such as painting, drawing, knitting, and thinking up different sorts of do-it-yourself projects to complete.

    Don't just focus on the rails within your home if you're going to the work of childproofing them; additionally focus on the safety of any external stairs. A gate that blends in with the railings should be built or purchased if your balcony or deck has stairs leading down to the ground below. Make sure the gate's latch is childproof or that it's placed out of reach.

    Patio furniture should be stored in a manner that prevents it from coming into contact with railings. No parent should ever encourage their child to ascend to the top of the cliff and jump off.

    Also, think about placing latches on any windows or doors that lead out to your balcony or deck. These latches should be installed where your toddler can't reach them.

    If you're staying in a hotel or someone else's home, you won't have the option to instal locks on doors or seal off spaces between spindles. Even if your child is being well observed, he should not be let on the balcony or deck if there is a gap between the spindles that could allow him to fall through. Young children are naturally curious, and it only takes a second or two for them to vanish if they don't like what they see.

    Conclusion

    Before you worry about childproofing the rest of your home, you must first make sure your balcony is secure. Young children and teenagers who prefer to test their limits should be kept away from balconies. According to the data, most accidental child falls involve a child falling from a height. There has been a recent trend towards using invisible grilles in place of more conventional grilles. Even if it rains heavily outside, the building's inside will remain dry thanks to the glass curtains.

    Rubber wheels and ball bearings, which are prone to deterioration and sliding friction, are unnecessary in a Teflon Transport System, which also requires no maintenance. Any individual or business can have their louvre shutters, PVC blinds, or external venetian blinds modified to their exact specifications. The innovative Ziptrak® track-guided blind system was designed to offer protection from inclement weather. It has one of the best spring-balanced mechanisms on the market. For safety reasons, always secure the entrance leading to the balcony.

    What's more, you'll need to think about the height of the balcony railing. You should get new, higher railings for your balcony if the ones you have are easily scaled. The combination of cable and wire rope, for example, can result in railings that are both cost-effective and visually appealing. Your balcony railings may not be more than four inches apart. While some newer metal fences have an attractive, minimalist aesthetic, they are actually tall enough for a child to scale.

    Take All Balcony Furniture Indoors. To get over a balcony railing, kids can use furniture from the patio set as a stepping stone. If the railing has a hole that looks like a ladder, perhaps for use in an emergency, a balcony shield that doesn't block view would be a good idea to keep kids from climbing it. The possibility exists that your kid will go out on the balcony while you're working. When kids fall over balconies, many of them get hurt or even die.

    Installing a home security alarm system is a great approach to protect your family and, in particular, your children. Make use of the summer weather by transforming your balcony into an outdoor splash pool for the kids to enjoy. Put together a board game night by setting up a chess or chequers table and a stack of board games on the balcony. Allow your kid to use his or her creativity by setting up a craft area outside. If your deck or balcony has stairs, you should construct or buy a gate that matches the railings.

    Patio sets must be stored such that the furniture does not touch the rails. It's never a good idea for a parent to encourage their child to go to the edge of the cliff and leap off.

    Content Summary

    • Here, we'll go over some best practises for keeping your balcony looking nice and keeping it safe for guests.
    • It's crucial to ensure your balcony is child-safe before you consider childproofing your home.
    • Despite the fact that most developers are now making balconies and staircases less hazardous for children, the ultimate responsibility for a child's safety falls on the shoulders of the child's parents.
    • When it comes to safety, invisible grilles are unrivalled.
    • Guarding balconies with these steel wire railings helps prevent accidents involving young children.
    • In contrast, Ziptrak® is an advanced track-guided blind system created to provide shelter from unfavourable climatic elements like rain, heat, wind, haze, insects, and even falls!
    • A safety nett installed over the balcony is one of the simplest and most fundamental preventative precautions one may take.
    • Before letting your kids play on the balcony, make sure it is safe.
    • A child safety nett for the balcony can be ordered from an internet store, and the buyer can even choose the colour.
    • In addition to being simple to set up and swap out, these balcony safety netts for kids are also incredibly affordable.
    • One of the quickest and easiest ways to make the balcony child-friendly is to remove any outdoor furniture that may have been left out in the open.
    • Additionally, invest in substantial pieces of furniture to make the balcony a secure area for kids to play.
    • The door leading to your balcony should have two locks installed as a childproofing safeguard.
    • One of the best ways to ensure the safety of your loved ones, especially your children, is to set up a home security alarm system.
    • Convert your balcony into an exciting outdoor splash pool for your kids to enjoy.
    • Put together a simple fort or playhouse in the backyard for your kid.
    • A gate that blends in with the railings should be built or purchased if your balcony or deck has stairs leading down to the ground below.
    • Make sure the gate's latch is childproof or that it's placed out of reach.
    • Also, think about placing latches on any windows or doors that lead out to your balcony or deck.

    FAQs About Balcony Repair

    The first thing you can do is instal a mesh or screen below the balcony to prevent your cat from jumping off or falling through. Mesh will need to be wrapped around the railing of your balcony if the bottom half of your balcony is not a solid wall. It lets in fresh air and doesn't block out too much of the light. The use of netting is the second method for preventing cats from entering the house.

    Cats have strong instincts for self-preservation, so it is highly improbable that they will voluntarily leap off of balconies. However, cats are prone to taking tumbles for no apparent reason. They run the risk of losing their footing while walking on a balcony, being blown off by strong winds, or missing their landing altogether if they chase birds.

    You can enclose your balcony with some quick and easy fixes, such as installing bamboo roll up blinds or using outdoor curtains. There are also some other options available to you. Screens are an excellent method for controlling insects, and netting will keep your pet from falling off the balcony. Screen panels that are premade or an awning that can be screened in are examples of solutions that are more permanent.

    If you want to enclose a balcony, you need to get the building department's permission first. Otherwise, it's against the law. The one and only exception to this rule is when the building in question is at least 50 years old and was constructed out of brick or stone. In this case, the inclosure work can be done without first obtaining a permit.

    Due to the fact that it has a free opening configuration, the panels can also be opened and closed without risk of injury. You can make the most of the space on your balcony even when the weather is less than ideal by installing a glass inclosure there. When there is a thunderstorm, simply close the panels and then open them again when the rain stops. This will allow gentle breezes from the outside to enter the room.

    Google Rating
    5.0
    Based on 12 reviews
    js_loader
    Scroll to Top