The balcony cable railings are horizontal, which makes them climbable for small children
What we found
The balconies have cable railings — guardrails where the infill, the material that fills the open space between the top rail and the floor, consists of horizontal cables. Because the cables run sideways, they form a ladder-like surface a small child can use to climb. Cable is also slightly elastic, meaning the gaps between cables can widen under pressure, which may allow a small body part, including a head, to pass through or become trapped.
Why it happens here
A railing's job is to keep people from falling off an elevated surface. The infill — whatever fills the open panel — is a key part of that. Infill that runs horizontally gives small children footholds and handholds, and a material that flexes under load can create a larger opening than it appears to have at rest. Those two qualities work against the railing's protective purpose when young children are present.
What it means for you
If small children spend time on the balconies, the horizontal orientation and cable flexibility are worth taking seriously. The concern is limited to that specific situation — climbability and entrapment risk are tied to the presence and size of the children involved.
What to do
Keep small children supervised around these railings. A qualified contractor or railing specialist can walk you through options for reducing climb and entrapment risk, whether that means adding vertical infill panels, changing the cable layout, or another solution suited to the existing structure.
How common is this
Inspectors routinely look at railing infill style and spacing as part of any balcony or deck review. Horizontal cable railings are a recognized design consideration in households with young children, and a railing specialist can give you a straightforward evaluation of the options.
If children will be using these balconies, a conversation with a railing specialist is a practical next step before move-in.
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