7 Reasons to Allow Your Cat to Go Out through a Pet Door Many pet parents are conflicted about whether to give their cats some outside time. Hazards like passing cars, loose dogs, wild animals, infections and the risk of getting lost, are possibly your main concerns about your cat going in and out when you are away. However, your enclosed yard might be a safe place to enjoy fresh air and explore the outdoors a couple of times per day. Learn about the multiple benefits of allowing your cat to go out through a pet door. Benefits of Letting Your Cat Play in Your Backyard Prevents boredom: Being inside all day is no fun for a cat. Letting your feline friend roam freely in your backyard provides an interesting change of scene. You can build an enclosure or install special fencing to keep your kitty safe. Deters destructive behavior: Scratching furniture, excessive mewing, stubbornness and sudden aggression towards people can be signs of boredom. Watching birds and squirrels up close, … [Read more...]

Tips to Protect Your Pets from the Sun Install a Quality Pet Door to Minimize Exposure Like us, our pets too can suffer sunburn and develop skin cancer. Every summer, emergency room staff attend to dogs and cats with burned paws, heat stroke and cancerous lesions. Minimizing exposure, applying sunscreen and never leaving your beloved animals in the car on a sweltering day are some ways to protect your pets from the sun. Read these summer safety tips for your pets. 5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Healthy and Safe in Summer Keep them indoors when it’s hot: Do not take them for walks or to the dog park between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is at its peak. Walk your pooch earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is setting. Hairless breeds and pets with white or lighter-colored fur are especially vulnerable to sunburn. Consider a sun shirt. There are many cute garments designed specifically for pets. Check the sidewalk: If it is too hot for you to hold your hand on the … [Read more...]

Do Your Dogs Enjoy Enough Time Outside? Get a Good Quality Pet Door Today! Many pet owners only let their canines out when they need to relieve themselves. Most often, they do so only when they are home. However, your four-legged friends need to walk, run and play outdoors daily. Being inside for most of the day has a negative impact on their physical and mental health. From maintaining a healthy weight to avoiding behavioral issues, here are five important reasons why dogs need plenty of outside time. Installing a pet door is a great way to allow your dog more fresh air and exercise, even in your absence. Reasons to Let Your Dog Out More Often Exercise: According to the Animal Foundation, your pooch requires at least one hour of exercise every day. However, dogs that are bred for sporting (pointers, retrievers, setters, spaniels, etc.) and herding (all hounds) activities, may need more activity. In addition to exercise, going for walks also offers an opportunity to train your pet … [Read more...]

Dog Doors Keep Your Pet Healthy Pet doors encourage good health in dogs and cats. Being able to relieve themselves when they need to is one of the most important benefits. Holding it in for too long increases their risk of contracting bladder, kidney and urinary tract infections. Unfortunately, you cannot always be there to let them out. By providing easy access to the backyard when they must go, dog doors keep your pet healthy. Avoid messy accidents when you come home to your pet who has been alone indoors. How Many Times Should You Let Your Dog Out?  New pet owners are typically unsure about how many times their pooches may need to do their business. While adult dogs usually need to urinate 4 to 5 times a day, the schedule might vary with breed, age and diet. Here are some guidelines to help. Puppies: Like babies, puppies and young dogs need to urinate frequently. According to vets, you might have to take them out every hour. They may also need to go after a meal, active playtime, … [Read more...]

Expert Advice on How to Size Your Pet Door Considering a pet door for Fido or Fifi? It’s a great idea! Even well trained pets can have the occasional accident, which means having to clean up the mess when you get home. With a safe entry and exit in your absence, your beloved animals can relieve themselves without the stress of holding it in. Modern designs are easy for your four-legged friends to use. They are also secure and can be locked at night. To make the most of your investment, learn how to size your pet door correctly. Three Tips for Choosing a Pet Door Measure your pet: Measure your dog or cat’s height from the ground and the widest part of their bodies. If you have multiple pets, take measurements of the tallest and the shortest one. We recommend creating a mock opening first (using a cardboard cutout) for them to walk through. You may have to use treats to get them on board with the idea of a pet door. Weigh your cat or dog: This affects the durability of the door and … [Read more...]

Tips for Protecting Sliding Doors from Storm Damage Sliding glass doors are a popular choice with Bay Area homeowners for areas leading to the backyard or patio. They add style, bring in natural light, and offer clear views. However, they are susceptible to damage from flying objects during a storm and when breached, can allow debris and water into your home. Here are some tips for protecting your beautiful sliding doors and your home from storm damage. 5 Ways to Protect Your Sliding Patio Doors during California Storms  Choose the right landscaping materials: Strong winds turn small rocks and gravel into deadly objects that can shatter your glass patio door. Use mulch to lower the risk of breakage and any injuries from flying glass. This article in The Hartford’s Extra Mile also recommends flagstone walkways and asphalt or cement driveways to minimize storm damage. Install storm shutters on your doors: They are easy to close and prevent rocks and any unsecured objects from … [Read more...]

Useful Tips for Cleaning Glass and Sliding Doors Sliding glass doors offer a clear view of your landscape and are a great source of natural light. Since they slide rather than swing, they also occupy less space. Available in elegant styles with customization options and easy-to-use, they are a preferred choice of Bay Area homeowners. To keep them looking shiny and new, here are some tips for cleaning glass and sliding doors. How to Maintain Your Glass and Sliding Patio Doors Glass: For a clear view and optimal natural light, always keep the glass clean. Wipe the inside and outside with soft cloth and mild soapy water. Use newspaper to dry the glass. It absorbs the moisture and removes any scum, leaving a glossy, clean finish. Doorframe: Remember to clean the area around the glass. Smudges and smears give the doorframe a grungy appearance. Cleaning procedures depend on the doorframe material. To clean vinyl and wood frames, wipe with a soft cloth dipped in a mild solution of … [Read more...]

Pet Door Security Tips from Bay Area Door Experts Pet doors are convenient. Even when you are away, your dog or cat can access your yard to do their business, or get outside for some fresh air and exercise. You don’t have to worry about cleaning up accidents around your house. The down side is that these doors can also provide easy access to burglars. Here are some valuable pet door security tips that will help keep your Bay Area home safe from intruders and critters. How to Secure Your Pet Door Lock the security tabs at night, and when you are away. Most pet doors have locking tabs to secure the panels. These are only accessed from inside. While your pet cannot go out when the door is locked, unwanted visitors cannot get in. Keep the key out of reach: Don’t make the mistake of leaving it near the pet door for convenience. There are instances where intruders have stolen keys using wire hangers inserted through gaps in pet doors. Consider an electronic lock. If it’s time to … [Read more...]

Trusted Experts for Common Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding glass doors offer beautiful vistas of your garden or the Bay Area seascape. Elegant, convenient, and easy-to-use, they provide easy access to your balcony or backyard, and bring in fresh air. However, with neglect or wear, they may sometimes get stuck and will not open or shut smoothly. Here are 5 common glass sliding door repairs that our technicians perform on a regular basis: Rusted, bent or broken rollers: Daily wear and the salty Bay Area air can take a toll on your sliding door’s rollers. Replacing rusted metal rollers or broken plastic ones is not a DIY job. It involves removing the heavy door, remounting it, and then adjusting it to the correct height. To avoid operational issues and ensure safety, you should call an experienced technician for the job. Bent or broken track: Bent tracks can prevent your door from moving smoothly or cause it to get stuck. Wrestling with your door to make it slide may pull it … [Read more...]

Tips for New Sliding Glass Door Installation Sliding glass doors are a beautiful addition to any living space that opens up to a balcony or backyard. They make the room look bigger by allowing in more natural light and brightening up the interiors. Here are some useful tips for your new sliding glass door installation. Pick a style: Choose from a variety of sliding door options to match your unique requirements. For example, pocket doors slide conveniently into the wall to completely open up your space. Larger openings, on the other hand, may include more than two panels. These doors are also available in many glass types. Choose clear glass to open up the view for your kitchen or family room. To let natural light into your tub and shower area, clear glass is again, a good choice. If privacy is a priority, tinted or frosted glass might be a better option. You may also want to consider glass with UV protection for greater energy efficiency. Consider size: This is an … [Read more...]