How to Child Proof Your Deck Railings
If you live in an older home with a deck or balcony that has not been updated; there is a chance that your railings may not satisfy current codes. In California, barrier railings are required to be a net height of 42″ from any raised deck surface. Additionally, no clear space between any railing member should exceed 4″ or allow a 4″ sphere to pass through the opening. If your deck is 30″ or more in height above grade; a safety railing is required.
Many of our cable railing installation projects require the demolition and removal of old railings. We have encountered many existing railings with infilled spaces containing gaps of more than 8″! Some of the decks and even interior stairways we work on do not have any railings at all. This is unsafe and can actually put you at risk of liability for injuries that may occur as a result. We recommend installing temporary safeguards while collecting bids for long term railing solutions.
Temporary Railing Infill Solutions
Short term solutions are only recommended in this article to safeguard your space prior to a full railing replacement. A couple of easy and inexpensive ways to close those gaps are :
-Installing lattice panels or temporary horizontal wood members in front of the existing railings to close any gaps larger than 4″. Using zip ties to secure the lattice panels will make for a fast install that is easy to remove when it’s time to install the new railings.
-Install plastic temporary fencing which can be bought by the roll at box stores.
-Install caution tape and/or block the area by attaching plywood sheets until the new railings can be constructed.
-Lead times for a new deck or railing construction can average from 1-3 months. Ask your contractor about constructing a temporary safety railing prior to installing the new railings. He may charge a small fee to do this; however the peace of mind will be well worth any cost.
Permanent Solutions for Toddler Resistant Railings
First and foremost we recommend purchasing your railing materials from reputable and proven sources only. Online shopping can be tempting and convenient, however there are a lot of substandard products online.
Companies furnishing engineered railing systems that are suitable for public commercial projects are a safe choice. If you are hiring a contractor; use a licensed and insured professional with specialized experience and product knowledge. If you plan to DIY; always follow manufacturer specifications and guidelines.
Cable Railings-
A properly designed and installed cable railing system is a safe and sturdy railing option for kids and pets alike. Stainless cables should be spaced no more than 3″ apart. Frame construction and post spacing must be suitable to carry enough tension that cables cannot be spread apart easily. Railings should satisfy a 200 lb. lateral loading requirement.
Alternative Infill Options-
Vertical pickets and hog panel railing infill are a couple of popular and safe options for toddler resistant railings. Once again, make sure any pickets, balusters or grid patterns provide a rigid barrier that does not allow any gaps larger than 4″.
Glass Railings-
Tempered glass panels are very safe and quite strong. Tempered safety glass is used in automobiles and glass doors for this reason. For second and third story decks; laminated glass may be the best and/or required option for constructing a glass railing system. Little fingerprints may be a possibility but don’t let safety deter you from choosing glass as a beautiful and transparent option for railing infill.
San Diego Cable Railings furnishes modular railing systems to a nationwide customer base with preferred installation in select California locations. If you have questions about our products or would like an estimate, give us a call at 844-277-7327.
