Retractable Gate - Why is my child or pet able to get under the retractable gate?

Retractable mesh gates are a popular safety option due to their low-profile design and flexibility; however, in some cases, parents and pet owners may notice their child or pet slipping underneath the gate.

This can be frustrating, but it usually comes down to a few common installation or setup issues.

Most common reason: The gate is mounted too high off the floor

For the retractable mesh to work effectively, the bottom of the gate should sit as close to the ground as possible. If the gate is mounted too high, even by a few centimetres, it can leave a gap large enough for smaller pets or determined toddlers to crawl underneath.

How to fix it

1. Check the position of your wall mounts, particularly the bottom brackets. These should be installed flush with the floor or skirting board.

2. Reposition if needed: If there's a visible gap underneath, uninstall and reinstall the gate mounts at a lower height.

3. Always use the included spacers provided in the box when installing over skirting boards. Mounting directly on top of skirting without spacers can elevate the gate and create unwanted gaps underneath. 

Is a small gap normal?

Yes, retractable gates will always have a slight amount of flex in the mesh and a small clearance at the bottom to allow smooth retraction. However, it should not be enough for an infant or small pet to pass under when installed correctly.

Persistent Escapers – Pets & Children

If a pet or child has learned how to push underneath the retractable mesh, it’s likely they will continue to do so — even after correcting the installation. This behaviour can become habitual, especially if they’re motivated by something on the other side of the gate.

While this is common across all retractable mesh-style gates (not just ours), it can become a serious safety concern, particularly when children are involved. Once a child has discovered how to get past the gate, it may no longer serve as a reliable barrier, increasing the risk of injury, especially around staircases or hazardous areas.

In these situations, we strongly recommend:

• Switching to a more robust metal gate from our Hardware-Mounted or Pressure-Mounted ranges, which offer a firmer physical barrier.

• Closely supervising children and pets around the gate, particularly during early use or after any escape attempts, and as per our cautionary statement, never leave a child unattended when using this product.

Choosing the right style of gate for your space and needs is essential for long-term safety and peace of mind.

Still unsure if your gate is installed correctly?

Send us a photo of your setup and we’ll be happy to check the installation and offer advice.