A balcony safety netting is a valuable addition to your home but it can be a bloody nuisance when you have small kids. However, balconies can be hazardous, particularly for children who are too interested in risking falling out.
This is where balcony safety netting comes into play; a simple yet effective way of keeping your child safe from accidental falls.
In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know about balcony safety netting including types of safety nets, how to install them, and clean them along with real life stories from parents who have taken steps towards making their home safer.
For additional security tips, explore our guide on the best child safety lock for the front door to keep your entryway safe for children.
Why is Balcony Safety Netting Important for Child Safety?
If you are a parent, then you very well know how fast kids can run. They can turn a harmless walk onto the balcony into an imminent accident in the blink of an eye.
Balconies pose an even greater risk for families that stay in apartments or tall buildings. Installing a child safety nets for balconies properly can minimize the threat of falls on their own.
Recent safety data suggest that more than 6,000 U.S. children are treated in emergency rooms annually for balcony-related injuries. Several of these mishaps are young kids falling from unsupervised terraces.
Balcony safety netting serves as a safety net limiting such uncalled-for accidents that can change the face of a family.
Young children do not understand how high things up are or how great a risk they are putting themselves. They don’t see the risk when they lean on the balcony railings or attempt to look through them.
In fact, because a balcony safety netting system creates something akin to a barrier between your child and that open space, even if they were curious enough to try to go lean out, they are safe from an impactful drop.
And whether you were inside cooking dinner or outside reading a book, not having to worry about your kid was nice.
Below is an extended section on the types of balcony safety nets with more information about each type.
Types of Balcony Safety Nets
Different types of balcony safety nets are available separately, and they have different materials and features to cater to customers’ individual needs. Here is a closer look at some of the most popular options:
Nylon Netting
Nylon as a Material to Use for Balcony Safety Net Nylon Transparency is a very commonly used material when it comes to balcony safety net and there is a reason why.
These nets are very strong, and lightweight, and can bear the load and pressure to a large extent without tearing. The nylon nets are also resistant to UV, so sun exposure won’t destroy them after a few seasons of use, nor will they break down while hanging in the elements outdoors.
Nylon nets also have a degree of pliability which enables the netting to give during smaller forces without breaking. They provide decent protection at a relatively low price point, plus they are easy to use which is why these seats tend to be popular bets for many parents.
Polycarbonate Netting
Nylon netting is flexible but polycarbonate offers greater rigidity and toughness. Its netting consists of a thick layer of impact-resistant, clear polycarbonate plastic, so it is very durable.
When the risk of injury is particularly high, polycarbonate nets are sometimes employed as they provide a more robust physical barrier against birds and can also better withstand extreme weather conditions without losing structural integrity over time.
In addition, these nets are resistant to scratches, and they remain in good ambiance for a long.
Metal Mesh Netting
Metal mesh netting offers the highest levels of strength and durability. These nets are very strong and can endure a lot of pressure without deforming or breaking as they are made from materials such as stainless steel or galvanized iron.
For semi-permanent arrangements, metal mesh nets are suited for most of the weather and are rusty. They are a durable material option that can withstand the test of time, which makes them perfect for families looking for something permanent to use just once.
Metal mesh nets are more durable but they are also bulkier and not suitable for everyone taste-wise. And they also do tend to be heavier, which may involve a little more work to install them.
Metal mesh is one of the safest netting types, but with much lower risks come higher costs and greater negatives so this may make it ideal for parents wanting the maximum protection in high-rise or heavily trafficked balcony areas where debates over metal sell you a home Shelley.
Key Features to Look for in Balcony Safety Netting
There is more to picking a balcony safety netting than randomly selecting a net. Considering what feature you want to know.
Durability
These durable nets are usually UV-protected and weather-resistant for extra outdoor-readiness. These are all functions that net donât have, as they tend to weaken with time (especially if regularly exposed to sun and rain)
if these protections arenât there. Investing in a quality net means you won’t need to replace it routinely and your balcony remains protected 365 days of the year.
Mesh Size
A fine mesh guarantees that even the tiniest of hands and fingers will not be able to squeeze through. Small mesh can also prevent small objects from falling from the balcony. Such security can only help, especially with inquisitive kids around.
Strength and Flexibility
It is supposed to be strong, as it should support weight, such as when a kid leans on it, but also flexible. The flexible nature of the nets minimizes injury risk owing to an accidental collision. This is what makes this net secure and snug for kids.
Easy Installation and Removal
Try to find nets that include hooks or cable ties, as they are generally easier to install. As easy as installing them quickly, which allows you to secure the net without requiring additional tools or help. And if you have to take them down for cleaning or seasonal adjustments, removable nets are always an option.
How to fix balcony safety nets
If you are wondering how to install balcony safety netting at your home, it is a fairly easy process if these simple steps are followed well. This ensures that your netting is fastened tightly every step of the way to prevent damage.
Step 1: Measure Your Balcony Area
You will need to measure the height and width of your balcony railing first. Measure carefully with a tape measure because you want to purchase a net that is snug all the way across.
Correct measurements will avoid leaving gaps and not covering it well, something necessary for safety. While you’re childproofing your home, don’t forget to check out our guide on how to childproof drawers to secure indoor storage spaces.
Step 2: Attach Anchors or Hooks
If your net includes anchors or hooks, install them around the balcony railing, spacing them evenly for maximum support.
Use a drill if necessary to secure the anchors firmly in place. Even spacing ensures the net won’t sag or leave any weak spots, making the net stronger overall.
Step 3: Secure the Netting
Afterward, drape the netting over the balcony and secure it to each hook/anchor point. From one side to the other, stretch the net securely with cable ties or fasteners included in the net. Stretch it tight with no sag so that it cannot be pushed or pulled easily across the head side of the goal.
Step 4: Test for Tightness
You can feel around different portions of the net for any loose areas after it is set up. Pressure should be applied to a secure net, but it shouldn’t sag when it is pulled up. Tightness tests are done to ensure the netting will be able to withstand pressure and reliability.
Step 5: Consider Professional Installation if Needed
If you do not want to install it by yourself, many companies provide installation services for balcony safety nets. Trained professionals will be able to ensure that the net is placed thoroughly and correctly. If you are worried about safety in your own right, this can be an option worth considering
Best Places to Install Apartment Balcony Safety Net
The balcony safety nets work as a life savior and many other places in an apartment balcony safety net apart from the balcony. Let’s look at some other key areas in regard to safety that nets can improve upon. You might also want to consider installing a childproof door handle to prevent kids from accessing areas like balconies without supervision.
Windows
Open windows in high-rise apartments are a significant risk, particularly for young children parents and caregivers know that already. A safety net stretched over windows could serve to keep children from leaning out and falling. The added benefit is that you can open windows for ventilation and few are worried about potential accidents.
Staircases
Don′t forget to add a safety net if your balcony is connected to a staircase or you have an indoor staircase too because these are high-traffic areas where falls can occur easily.
Children play on staircases or nearby, and an unprotected staircase can lead to accidents. Nets can be installed along stair/shutter railings or ubiquitous/small areas, in order to maintain these open spaces without compromising both sight and air movements.
Open Spaces Between Railings
Some balcony railings are spaced so far apart that it can pose a risk for children to squeeze through them or at the very least if they were to drop things from these larger gaps.
A net stretches across these holes as a safety barrier that prevents tiny hands and feet from slipping through.
Apart from this tip, netting railing (open spaces between the railing) is also really good for child-proof your balcony without making any irreversible changes.
Maintenance Tips for Balcony Safety Netting
Maintaining your balcony safety net is vital as a well-maintained one will provide you with the protection that it promises. These are a few of the things that can be done about maintaining your netting to stay firm and bully.
Regularly Check for Wear and Tear
Get into the habit of checking your netting once a month for signs of fraying, holes, or weak spots. This is important to keep in mind, especially when you are inspecting where the net connects to the balcony, as this position often withstands a lot of stress.
Repair that immediately as even the smallest damage can be a big problem and this can affect the net working. Learn how to childproof door knobs effectively to ensure every access point in your home is secure.
Clean with Mild Soap and Water
The netting can become dull and weaken over time, as dirt and dust from outdoors builds upon the net. A soft cloth or sponge with soap mixed in water will do their job without causing harm to the net.
Do not use a strong cleaning agent as this can destroy the material of the net if it is nylon or polycarbonate. Another way to keep the net in good condition is to rinse it every couple of months.
Real Experiences: Stories from Parents Using Balcony Safety Nets
Many parents feel relieved after installing balcony safety nets.
Sara, a mother of a toddler, shared that her balcony on the 15th floor used to cause her constant worry. The net, she says, is letting him get outside and play safely.
Mark was a father of twins and noticed his children were always hanging by the balcony. Description: Mark was a father of twins, and the kids were attracted to the balcony. He was more than thrilled with his newly installed safety net as well as the ability to finally be able to use that space without someone having eyes on him 24/7.
According to Jasmine, her family did not use the balcony very often before installing the net. They even have breakfast out there with the toddler running around pretty safely.
Laura — whose child has limited mobility — said the netting creates a safe outdoor space for her son. The net was installed by the dog owner, Ben, to stop his energetic pooch from falling through the railings. He thinks the balcony is safer now for his dog and his kids.
These parents agree that a balcony safety net is an invaluable peace of mind.
FAQs About Balcony Safety Netting
How long does a balcony safety net last?
With proper care, most nets can last up to 3-5 years.
Can I use it in different weather conditions?
Yes, most balcony nets are weather-resistant, but it’s still good to inspect them regularly.
Is installation permanent?
No, many nets are removable and can be adjusted or relocated if needed.
Conclusion
Balcony safety netting can be a lifesaver for parents, especially those living in high-rise apartments. It’s an affordable, effective way to reduce the risk of falls and accidents, letting you breathe easier while your child explores your outdoor space.
Whether you decide on a DIY installation or hire a pro, having balcony safety netting in place can make a world of difference. So, why wait? Take that step toward a safer home, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child is protected.