5 Ways to Improve High-Rise Balcony Safety

Children are curious by nature. They love to climb, touch, watch and explore, which make them more susceptible to falls. This is worrisome especially for families who stay in high-rise buildings. Even more so when statistics show that most accidental falls among children happen from heights. The most notable area of concern is the balconies of apartments. To reduce fatalities, we are urging all parents and landlords to make homes safer for children with one of these balcony installations.    

1.       Invisible Grilles

Image: Legate

You can’t really go wrong with invisible grilles. Engineered with steel cables, this balcony guard lowers the risk of children falling from balconies. They are customisable to individual home preferences and come in movable versions, which can come in handy for families who are looking for a short-term solution in their rented homes. Being made out of stainless steel, invisible grilles are hardy and durable, however they can still be cut using a wire cutter. So, they can’t be used to prevent burglars from breaking in. Invisible grilles may be the modernised version of traditional grilles, but they are not exactly invisible, as the name suggests. You can still see thin wires running across and you would not have the clearest view of what is happening outside.   

Safety: ★★★★☆

Affordability: ★★★☆☆

Aesthetics: ★★★★☆

Durability: ★★★★☆

2.       Glass Curtains®

Image: Glass Curtains

Glass Curtains® is a fully retractable enclosure for balconies that can convert that unused space into an all-year-round balcony oasis with endless possibilities. This unique innovation secured an exclusive European patent and is designed for easy everyday usage, maximum security and durability. It relies on toughened glass units and Teflon Transport System to bring families a multitude of benefits. Tests showed that Glass Curtains® can reduce the intensity of outside traffic noise to the noise level of soft background music and is effective in keeping interiors dry even under heavy rainy conditions. Thanks to a maintenance-free Teflon Transport System, it eliminates the need for rubber wheels that can degrade, or ball bearings, which can rust and have sliding friction.   

The glass panels sit sturdily with the weight on the bottom of the tracks, making Glass Curtains® an incredibly steady and secure product. With no unsightly frames between the slimline glass panels, apartment dwellers get an endless gaze of the horizon. Another unique innovation is the Flying Door™ opening system. Users have the option to open the glass panels completely for full ventilation or some panels can be left in place for a partial wind break. Plus, a sidelock system is also available to provide additional safety. Parents can rest assured that children can move around freely and safely as this glass enclosure can prevent fatal falls from high-rise apartments.    

Safety: ★★★★★

Affordability: ★★★☆☆

Aesthetics: ★★★★★

Durability: ★★★★★

3.       Outdoor Blinds and Ziptrak®

Image: Ziptrak

Outdoor blinds are also a great solution for families looking for extra protection. Louvre shutters, PVC blinds and external venetian blinds come in an extensive range of configurations to suit different needs. Most of these blinds are versatile but do not perform well under harsh weather conditions. They require frequent touch-ups and replacements, and obstruct views.

Ziptrak®, on the other hand, is a sophisticated track guided blind system designed to provide protection from undesirable elements, such as rain, heat, wind, haze and insects, and ultimately, falls! Its spring-balanced system is one of the smoothest in the market. No cranks or ropes are required to operate the blind. Just simply pull down, push up, let go and it will stay at any desired height. Ziptrak® is rigorously tested to provide total rain and wind protection. The design grips tight to the vertical tracks so there will be no rattling even in the strongest winds. For a full secure hold, the blind can also be locked when fully down. Ziptrak® can go up to 6 metres wide to cover a large opening, and is available in manual or motorised geared styles, making it a stylish and effective solution.   

Safety: ★★★★★

Affordability: ★★★☆☆

Aesthetics: ★★★★★

Durability: ★★★★★

4.       Safety Nets

Image: Madhu Safety Nets

Adding a safety net to the balcony is one of the most basic preventive steps one can take. Netting materials can easily be bought at most hardware stores, cut to size and are easy to install. It may not be aesthetically appealing to have a net at the balcony obstructing views, but at least there is still space to enjoy some fresh air while keeping children and pets relatively safe. Do bear in mind that nets may be useful at keeping out unwanted visitors, such as birds, but they are not tested to provide full home security.

Safety: ★★☆☆☆

Affordability: ★★★★★

Aesthetics: ★☆☆☆☆

Durability: ★★☆☆☆

5.       Additional Slats and Spindles

Image: Sapphire Balconies

For families who stay in an apartment with a balcony, some child safety tips to keep in mind include: making sure the railings do not have horizontal parts that could allow children to climb on them; putting away furniture and other climbable objects from the edge of the balcony; keeping doors to balconies closed to prevent children from gaining access to them. Apart from these, adding extra vertical slats or spindles to fill in the gaps in the railing can make the balcony safer as well.

Safety: ★☆☆☆☆

Affordability: ★★★★☆

Aesthetics: ★★☆☆☆

Durability: ★★★☆☆