One of the great things about sliding doors is that they allow you to let the sun shine through and have quick and easy access to outdoor space via the door. However, these doors also pose specific hazards, particularly when youngsters are present.
Childproofing your sliding doors is necessary if you intend to keep your kids out of harm’s way and save yourself from getting the dreaded calls. We will share parent-friendly, straightforward safety measures.
Why Sliding Door Safety Matters
Sliding doors are just like the regular kind, where you open and close them by pulling or pushing; you have to slide them along the tracks to open or close. That makes it quite possible for kids to pull the door open or shut it without asking for assistance.
There are times when children get their fingers trapped in the gap between the door and frame, or they hurt themselves as a result of trying to climb on or push the glass. In addition, these doors usually lead to the yard or garden, hence the little ones can roam around and even get lost or hurt.
To protect your kids, ensure your sliding doors function well, and install safety measures. Sliding door repair is commonly needed to correct faults like doors that get stuck, broken locks, or damaged tracks. Those minor problems can be huge accidents waiting to happen if left undone for a long time.
Check and Fix Sliding Door Problems
The first step in ensuring that your sliding doors are safe for kids is to test if the doors are functioning correctly. Ensure the door can slide smoothly without getting stuck or jumping out of the track. If it is hard to open or close the door and it produces weird noises, you should immediately call for sliding door repair.
A broken door can injure a child’s fingers if it suddenly falls or might be difficult to open in case of a panic attack. A professional sliding door fixer can solve the problems of locking, replace the broken parts, and prolong the safety of your children through these doors.
Use Safety Locks and Bars
Apart from a sliding door’s superb features, security remains the most significant element. Children can hardly open doors with a weak or simple lock. Special childproof locks already made for sliding doors are available in the market, and you can get one for your door. These locks bring about additional safety and, at the same time, prevent kids from opening the door without getting your consent.
There is also another good instrument, which is the door safety bar. This bar puts itself in the door track and greatly stops the door from sliding open. It makes the door stay closed tightly and gives you more control.
Add Finger Guards and Door Alarms
Kids sometimes finger the sliding door gap and end up with their fingers stuck there. For their safety, how about putting finger guards? These slim protective covers attached to the door frames prevent children from placing their fingers in potentially harmful spots.
Along with this, to add more security, install door alarms. These alarms give a loud sound if a door that is supposed to be closed is opened. Parents can hear a child opening the door without their knowledge or assistance.
Keep the Area Clear and Teach Rules
First and foremost, ensure no toys or furniture are lying around the area near the sliding door. Children, in particular, like to climb objects close to the door; in doing so, they can fall or open the door by pushing it. So, to prevent children from getting hurt, ensure the floor is free of chaotic stuff.
Giving your kids rules and regulations about using the sliding door is necessary. Tell your kids they should always ask an adult if they want to open the door. If children get the right idea of the real cause of a specific law, they will have the best chances of obeying the rule.
Regular Maintenance is Key
Fixing a sliding door is not only for solving problems but also for preventing those problems from happening. Look for any malfunctions or damage in your sliding doors regularly. Remove dirt and other particles from the tracks by cleaning them so the door can glide smoothly.
Regularly running the door’s lock and handle lets you discover any issues early. Thus, not only is the safety of the children ensured, but also the prevention of paying for expensive repairs in the future.
Conclusion
On the one hand, sliding doors are pretty handy. On the other hand, they can be very dangerous for small children if childproof measures are not taken. These easy-to-follow steps not only turn your home into a safer place but also give you peace of mind. Keep in mind that safety is an ongoing process that takes small efforts and constant vigilance. Childproofing your sliding doors is the way to go if you want a safe home environment.
