Is the maintenance of the networks that protect your children up to date? Know how often you need to replace them to avoid accidents
Recently, a video shared on social networks showing the deterioration of window protection screens impressed many people. While any material is known to need maintenance, watching streaks come off with so little force is scary. See, below, the pictures posted by the profile @mariaelizasamy:
Among the comments, many users warn that supervision is necessary from time to time – and it is true. These screens wear out over the years, mostly from exposure to sun, rain and other weather issues. This means that you can’t just install them and trust them to last forever, because they won’t. Furthermore, the quality of the material used is extremely important and must comply with several rules.
“We have to follow the ABNT standards in reference to safety nets (ABNTNBR 16046), published in May 2012”, warns Erika Tonelli, Safe Environments Specialist at Aldeias Infantis SOS. ABNT is the acronym of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards, which establishes a series of standards ranging from manufacturing to product maintenance.
The material used cannot be recycled, must be resistant to the spread of fire, have a texture of maximum 5cm x 5cm (distance between nodes), must have resistance to a minimum established level to impact and traction, even after aging – and these are just a few examples.
Precautions when installing protective screens
It is therefore essential to carefully choose the company that will carry out this service, since the manufacture and installation of the networks must comply with these standards – just looking for the cheapest without paying attention to these issues is a huge risk. At the time of placement, the professional is advised to enter an identifier on the screen with the name of the company and its CNPJ, as well as the network installation date.
You also need to know what is the validity and warranty period established by the manufacturer. According to Erika, it should last for three years (although many companies offer a longer warranty, usually around five years). “But it’s always worth checking periodically for changes or malfunctions”draws attention.
For locations prone to severe weather, such as coastal cities, ABNT also recommends the use of stainless steel tie down hooks. It is also worth mentioning that due to more intense weather conditions, the interval for changing networks may be shorter. Additionally, the association recommends that the professional perform the installation give instructions for use and care to the customer, how not to apply chemicals to screensdo not subject them to heat sources (such as cigarettes and candles), remove them for maintenance services (exterior washing, painting, facade renovation), among others.
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If you need to remove and replace, don’t do anything yourself! The service must be performed by a qualified professional.
When renting or buying a new property, it is worth doing all the checks. If there is no information on when the networks were installed or if there was maintenance, the ideal is to change everything.
Finally, Erika adds: ‘Safety nets should be installed on balconies, windows, along open-sided staircases and on attics. And it is important to stress that this shouldn’t just be in homes where children live, but also in the places they frequentto ensure your safety”.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
