Pet ownership is great, but perhaps less so when they engage in destructive behaviors in the home. Issues like indoor urination or furniture scratching present substantial challenges.
Thankfully, one of those destructive behaviors can be easily addressed – the scratching and breaking of screen doors.
Pet screen doors provide ventilation, natural light, and protection from insects and small animals. At the same time, they offer advantages to pets, such as refreshing breezes and scenic views.
Also, screens contribute significantly to pet safety, confining them to designated areas, preventing interactions with other animals, reducing exposure to high-traffic zones, and minimizing the risk of getting loose.
While pets may occasionally pose challenges, preserving the integrity of your screen doors can be a simple yet effective solution to ensuring the well-being of your furry friends as well as you’re your home.
How pets can damage doors
If a screen door is all that stands between your dog and the great outdoors, chances are the dog will scratch at it until something happens.
And it’s not just dogs. Cats claw anything and love to scratch at things that offer resistance, like screens. Scratching by dogs and cats can rip or fray screens and damage the screen’s frame.
Because the screens are so thin and sometimes hard to see, pets may not realize they are there and go barreling into them if they see a squirrel or bird walking by. Again, this can easily rip the screen or damage the frame.
How do you prevent your pet from destroying your screens?
There are three very effective and cost-efficient ways to prevent your screens from being damaged by your animals:
Pet-resistant screens
Probably the easiest solution is to invest in pet-resistant screens (also known as “pet-proof screens”). These heavy-duty pet-resistant screens are designed to fit in the frames you already have but are made of stronger and more durable materials that can withstand most scratching and pushing from your furry little friends.
In addition, pet-resistant screens blend in with the rest of your decor, so the untrained eye wouldn’t even know you have a dog. Pet-resistant screens also work for windows and other enclosures like doors and pet patios.
Your pet’s size will determine the best screen for your needs. Talk to your American Rescreen technician to find the best pet screen solution for you. The three most popular pet-resistant screens are Pet Screens, Tuff Screens, and Super Screens.
Pet guards
Pet guards are stylized metal gates that protect your door from your pet. For larger or more determined dogs, screen door pet guards offer a more robust barrier than a pet-resistant screen because they are made of metal instead of mesh. You don’t have to worry about your pet damaging the existing screen because they won’t be able to get to it physically. However, these are harder to install on sliding screens and patio doors.
Our door guards protect your screens from the claws of your four-legged friends and from people’s feet, knees, and other body parts that can potentially ruin your screen door.
Pet doors
A pet door (also known as a doggie door) can help your pet enter and exit your home, so there’s no need for scratching to get out. Traditionally, doggie doors are installed directly into a front door or as a panel for sliding doors. However, American Rescreen offers screen doors with a pre-installed pet door, or you can easily install a pet screen door in whatever door you already own.
Screen doors with pet doors are great for more independent cats and dogs. They allow them to safely come and go whenever they choose and provide excellent scratch protection. We will install the best option to suit your needs. Pet doors can be mounted inside both swinging and sliding screen doors.
What are pet-resistant screens made of?
Pet-resistant screens are usually made from PVC-coated polyester yarn, making them seven times more resilient than standard screens. The strong, pliable mesh can withstand repeated clawing by cats and dogs. Thanks to the PVC vinyl lining, the screens can hold up to the sun and other elements longer. While the mesh is thicker than a regular screen, the spaces are larger to facilitate airflow and light. But don’t worry; the holes are still small enough to keep out the bugs.
Do pet-resistant screens work?
The short answer is yes! Pet-resistant screens are tear and puncture-resistant, but if your big dog runs full force into a pet-resistant screen door, it may damage the frame. But yes, pet-resistant screens do a fantastic job of preventing expensive replacements and repairs.
How do you pet-proof a window screen?
Using a pet-resistant screen is the best approach to pet-proof your window screen. If your dog or cat has a favorite window, you might pet-proof it with a scratch-resistant material while using regular screens for the rest of your windows. While you could use a screen guard, you might not like how it looks. It is also not advised to install a pet door in a window, particularly one not on the first floor.
Whatever way you select to protect your screens from your pet (and your pet from the outside world), American Rescreen has a variety of items to make pet-proofing your house simple and inexpensive. Looking for pet screens in Spring Hill? Call us today!