How To Keep Your Pets From Damaging Your Screen Door

It’s summertime and there’s nothing better than opening up the glass door and allowing that screen door to let the breeze in. However, as soon as you open the screen door, it often seems like that’s an invitation for your pets to come running. Dogs and cats alike are notorious for ruining quite a few screen doors during their lifetimes. If you don’t train them to eliminate this habit, dogs and outdoor cats will constantly scratch at the screen doors, causing them to rip or tear. Although it doesn’t seem like a big deal to have a rip in the screen door, keep in mind that bugs and other critters can find this weak point in the screen and enter your home.

As a door and window replacement specialist throughout southern New Hampshire, we’re here to give you tips and pointers to prevent pets from damaging your screen door.

How To Prevent Pets From Damaging Screen Doors

• Visual Barriers. If your dog has a tendency to run head-first into the screen door due to excitement about the bunny he’s found in the backyard, then perhaps it’s time to add a visual barrier to your existing screen door. Neon-colored tape across the lower half of the screen door is a great way to tell your dog that there is an object here that they can not charge through. You can even attach felt to the lower half of the screen door with the help of safety pins through the screen mesh.
• Scratch Shield. Does your dog constantly want to go outside and is so impatient that it continually scratches at the screen door until someone finally gives in? If this is the case for your dog, then a scratch shield should be on your list of things to purchase. Scratch shields are a thin, usually reinforced plastic, protective covering you place over the door where your pet is most prone to scratching. You can also grab a few extra and place them on your sliding glass door or entry door as well to protect the paint and the glass.
• Screened Dog Door. If you don’t mind your dog heading outside whenever it feels like, then a doggie door may be your best option. First, make sure that you have a fenced-in yard and that there is no opportunity for them to escape your property. Next, you can contact Seacoast Replacement Windows and talk with our door installation experts regarding what options there are to adding a dog door to your screen patio door or entry door. The doggie door is installed at the bottom of the door so that your pup can easily push itself through without damaging the rest of the door.
• Screen Grills. Screen grills can be purchased online, at a local pet store, or at a home goods store and are usually inexpensive and worth the investment — especially if your pet has already ruined a few screens. These protective coverings act almost like a baby barrier and sit over the lower half of your screen door. No worries about screen grills falling whenever you open the door because most models can be attached using a few screws. When installing a dog door on a screen door, you will need a boxcutter knife in order to cut through the existing wire mesh. We recommend contacting our specialists for this installation project.
• Heavy Duty Screen. While most homeowners are fine with the typical screen mesh door that comes included when purchasing a sliding glass door, those with pets will often need to swap out the lighter-weight material for something more robust. For homeowners with outdoor cats and smaller dogs, we recommend a heavy-duty screen that can withstand both claws and jaws. Unfortunately, replacing your screen won’t be easy, so again, we recommend contacting our door replacement and door repair specialists so that you don’t accidentally cause damage to your sliding screen door.
• Magnetic Screen Door. Magnetic screen doors, although not the most popular option for those with pets, are also worth looking into. Magnetic screen doors will take the place of a traditional screen door and have magnetic strips attached to each half of the screen. The magnetic strips work to close the screen “door” after you or your dog passes through in order to prevent bugs from entering your home. We advise that you do your research as some makes and models may not fit your door, or the material may be cheap and not last very long.

Most Common Question About Pet Damaged Windows Or Doors

Q: How can I repair windows that have been damaged by my pet?

A: Repairing windows that have been damaged by pets involves a few steps:

Assess the Damage

First, assess the extent of the damage. Determine if it’s a minor scratch, a deep gouge, or a shattered pane. This will help you decide on the appropriate course of action.

Minor Scratches or Surface Damage:

For minor scratches or surface damage, you can try using a glass polishing compound to buff out the scratches. Follow the product instructions carefully and use a soft, clean cloth to apply and polish the affected area.

Deep Scratches or Gouges:

For deeper scratches or gouges, you may need to fill them with a glass repair kit. These kits typically include a resin that can be applied to the damaged area. Follow the kit’s instructions to ensure a proper repair.

Cracked or Broken Panes:

If the window pane is cracked or broken, it’s best to replace it entirely. Measure the dimensions of the existing pane and purchase a replacement pane from a local hardware store or glass shop. Carefully remove the damaged pane and install the new one according to the manufacturer’s guidelines or seek professional assistance.

Prevent Future Damage:

To prevent further damage, consider implementing measures like installing window screens or barriers to keep your pet away from the windows. Additionally, train your pet to avoid scratching or pawing at the glass. Remember that repairing damaged windows may require different methods and materials depending on the severity of the damage and the type of glass. If you’re unsure about how to proceed or if the damage is extensive, it’s advisable to consult Seacoast Replacement Windows to ensure the safety and integrity of your windows.

Contact Seacoast Replacement Windows For Damaged Windows

At the end of the day, it’s also important to cut your pet’s nails whenever they are getting too long and to try and train them to avoid scratching, biting, or jumping up against the screen door. If your pet also tends to have the same behavior towards window screens, many of these tips also work as a solution for windows. Is your screen door or window beyond repair? Contact Seacoast Replacement Windows today for a replacement screen door or window!