PVC Clear Sheeting for Banisters & Balustrades

PVC Clear Sheeting – Product Information & Installation Guide

Our PVC Clear Sheeting is a budget-friendly option for covering gaps in suitable indoor banisters and balustrades. When correctly installed, it can help discourage little climbers from using horizontal railings as footholds or attempting to squeeze through the gaps.

IMPORTANT: PVC Clear Sheeting is an additional protective measure, not a structural safety barrier. It must only be installed on a secure, structurally sound balustrade and must not create new climbing hazards. Not every balustrade is suitable for this type of installation.

PVC Care & Cleaning Instructions

• DO NOT USE WINDOWLENE, NEWSPAPER OR ABRASIVE CLEANING PRODUCTS. These can scratch or damage the PVC surface.
• For everyday dust removal, use a soft, clean Microfibre Multipurpose Duster, available from Takealot.
• For more stubborn dirt, mix a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid with lukewarm water.
• Gently clean the PVC using a soft, good-quality 280gsm Microfibre Cloth. Rinse with clean water and dry carefully with another soft cloth.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, methylated spirits, white spirits, solvents and abrasive sponges. These may damage or discolour the PVC.
• Inspect the PVC regularly for scratches, cracks, tears, loose cable ties or other signs of deterioration. Replace damaged material or insecure fittings promptly.

DIY Installation Instructions

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE COPY OF THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

• ADULTS ONLY! Please ensure that children and pets are safely supervised by another responsible caregiver and are nowhere near the installation area.
• Two adults are required for installation. One person will position and hold the PVC sheeting while the other secures it.
• Before starting, check that the existing balustrade is structurally sound, with no loose railings, damaged posts or insecure fittings.
• Do not install this product where the PVC could be used as a handrail, support a person’s weight or replace a required structural barrier.
• If you are unsure whether your balustrade is suitable, have it assessed by an appropriately qualified professional before proceeding.

Tools & Materials You Will Need

• Measuring tape – to measure the area you want to cover.
• Sharp, heavy-duty scissors – suitable for cutting flexible PVC sheeting.
• Long ruler or straight edge – preferably longer than 61 cm. An L-shaped ruler is particularly useful for marking accurate 90-degree cutting lines.
• Washable, PVC-compatible marker – to mark your cutting lines. Test on a small offcut first to ensure the marks can be removed without damaging the material.
• Small side cutter or flush-cutting cable-tie tool – to trim the excess cable ties neatly.
• 30W Soldering Iron – for creating small fixing holes in the PVC sheeting. Use only in a well-ventilated work area, following the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Where practical, make the holes before positioning the sheeting against the balustrade. Keep the hot tip away from surrounding surfaces and allow it to cool completely before storage.
• Cable Ties: White or black, of suitable strength and length for your balustrade. These are used to secure the PVC sheeting to the railing posts.
• Bonded Washers – to help distribute pressure around the cable-tie fixing holes and provide a neat finish.

Bonded washer and cable tie for PVC sheeting installation

Optional Finishing Materials

• Kedla Aluminium Flat Bars – optional finishing strips for the top and/or bottom edges of the PVC sheeting. Size: 3 m long x 19 mm wide. These are decorative finishing components and do not replace the cable ties and washers used to secure the PVC.

Optional Kedla aluminium flat bar for a neat finishing touch

• Double-Sided Adhesive Tape – 18 mm wide – for attaching the optional aluminium finishing bars to the PVC sheeting. Check that the tape is compatible with both materials.

Step-by-Step PVC Clear Sheeting Installation

1. Measure your balustrade. Carefully measure the area you want to cover, allowing for the position of the railing posts and fixing points.
2. Prepare your workspace. Keep the PVC upright or supported on a clean, smooth surface while measuring and cutting to help prevent scratches.
3. Mark your cutting line. Use your ruler and washable marker to draw a straight line at the required length.
4. Cut the PVC to size. Using sharp, heavy-duty scissors, cut carefully along your marked line. Check that the edges are smooth and free from sharp or uneven sections.
5. Position the PVC against the balustrade. With your installation partner holding the sheeting in place, identify suitable fixing points along the railing posts.
6. Prepare the fixing holes. Make small holes, no larger than approximately 5 mm, at the required positions. If using a soldering iron, work in a well-ventilated area and avoid contact with the metal railings, surrounding finishes or other surfaces. Never leave a hot soldering iron unattended.
7. Secure the first railing post. Starting at one end, use at least three suitably positioned cable ties with bonded washers – top, middle and bottom – where the railing design permits. Additional fixings may be necessary depending on the installation.
8. Continue along the balustrade. Working from post to post, have your installation partner hold the PVC straight and flush while you secure each section with cable ties and bonded washers.
9. Check the tension. The PVC should sit neatly against the railings without excessive slack, sagging or distortion. Avoid overtightening the cable ties, which could tear or damage the material.
10. Inspect your work. Stand back and check that the sheeting is straight, the fixings are secure and no gaps or loose sections have been left accessible to little hands.
11. Trim the cable ties. Use a suitable flush-cutting tool to remove the excess ends. Make sure there are no sharp edges that could scratch or injure a child.
12. Optional finishing bars. If you have chosen to use Kedla aluminium flat bars, prepare these for installation along the bottom edge or both the top and bottom edges, depending on your preferred finish.
13. Apply the double-sided tape. Attach the tape neatly along one side of each aluminium bar, following the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.
14. Position the finishing bars. Remove the tape backing and carefully press the aluminium bar into position, working gradually from one end to the other to keep it straight.
15. Adjust the aluminium lengths if necessary. Bars may be overlapped where appropriate. If cutting is required, use suitable metal-cutting equipment, appropriate protective gear and safe working practices. Remove all sharp edges and metal burrs before installation.
16. Final safety inspection. Check every fixing point, washer and cable tie. Ensure the PVC has no tears, sharp edges, loose sections or gaps that could create a hazard. Check that the installation has not compromised the existing balustrade.
17. Time to clean up! Collect all tools, offcuts, spare cable ties, washers and packaging. Store everything safely in a child-safe, lockable cupboard and recycle suitable waste materials where possible.

ALL DONE & DUSTED!!!

Well done on taking another important step towards making your home safer for your little one!

Remember: Regularly inspect your PVC barrier and all fixing points for wear, damage or loosening. This sheeting does not replace a compliant, structurally sound balustrade, and adult supervision remains essential around stairways, balconies and elevated areas.

Prefer Professional Installation?

Not everyone enjoys measuring, cutting and tackling DIY projects – and that’s perfectly okay!

Baby Proof SA offers professional home assessments and childproofing installations within a 30 km radius of Roodepoort, Gauteng, subject to availability.

An on-site assessment is required before installation can be quoted. Unfortunately, we cannot provide remote quotations or site-specific installation recommendations based on photographs or customer-supplied measurements.

CONTACT BABY PROOF SA FOR MORE INFORMATION

Related Childproofing Article

For more practical safety tips, read our guide:

Childproofing Windows, Balustrades and Stairways