Make Sliding Doors More Energy Efficient Useful Tips to Increase Energy Efficiency of Your Sliding Doors Air leaks through sliding patio doors can cause a significant increase in your energy bills. Caulking around them is one of the simplest ways to reduce the amount of air coming in and going out. A more effective, but expensive alternative is to replace the existing panes with low E glass. Our experts offer valuable tips to make your sliding doors more energy efficient. Your Sliding Glass Doors Can Be More Energy Efficient. Here’s How: Clean the jambs and tracks: Accumulated dirt and debris can damage the seals, resulting in heat loss or gain. Replace damaged weather stripping: Sliding doors depend on quality weather stripping to keep out the heat and cold. When replacing worn out stripping, make sure you choose the right kind. Some products are cheap for a reason! Reinstall caulking: Shifting building weight and fluctuating weather cause caulking to crack and fall out. It is … [Read more...]

Did You Know that Pets Can Wear Sunscreen? Protect Your Dog with Canine Sunscreen and a Pet Door As you plan more outdoor time with your four-legged family members this summer, it is important to think about how to protect them from the sun’s harsh rays. Like humans, dogs and cats are also susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. Those with lighter or white fur and hairless breeds are especially vulnerable. Yes, pets can wear sunscreen but be careful what you apply! How to Select Sunscreen for Your Pets General sunscreen products are not safe to use on your pooch or feline. Products for humans typically contain zinc oxide which is toxic if ingested by your pets. Here are some tips on how to purchase the right sunblock for your canines and cats. Read the label: Check for zinc and for any warnings about using the product on your pet. Look for a pet-specific sunscreen: These do not pose a risk to your furry friend. If you have trouble finding it, look for one that is made for babies … [Read more...]

Is Your Cat Banging on the Door? Poor Kitty! Install a Pet Door and Rest Easy Of course, you love your cat. Your friends may not want to see one more of your cat videos, but your kitty is adorable. Except when you are annoyed by their belligerent behavior and sleepless nights. Vets say that there are several reasons why your cat might be scratching or meowing at your door. She could be hungry, trying to get your attention, needs more play time or simply wants to go outside. Here are some ways to stop your cat from banging on the door. Tips to Stop Your Cat from Destroying Your Door and Your Sleep Spend some time with kitty: All she probably wants is some one-on-one time with you when you get home from work. Make it a point to spend quality time with her before or after dinner and see if the scratching stops. Change her feeding schedule: Perhaps she is hungry. Try giving her a little more food. Or change her meal time to shortly before you go to bed. This might help her and … [Read more...]

Should You Buy Pet Scratch Protectors or Pet Doors? Is your cat or dog ruining your floors, furniture, doors and trim? Before investing in plastic door shields or scratch guard vinyl furniture products, it is important to understand the reasons for your pet’s destructive behavior. While the most basic reason for your pooch misbehaving is the ‘need to go’, being bored and stuck indoors all day could also be a factor. Read on to learn what is more effective—pet scratch protectors or pet doors. Important Benefits of Installing Pet Doors Allowing free access to a fenced backyard helps to maintain a calm, happy temperament and consequently, prevents damage to doors and furniture from scratching and chewing. Installing cat or dog doors has made many pet owners and their four-legged family members happier. Here’s how.  Healthy bathroom frequency: On average, dogs need to go outside at least 4-5 times per day to relieve themselves. This means Fido cannot wait for hours till you get … [Read more...]

Tips for Preventing Your Dog’s Muddy Paws A Pet Door Can Help Keep Your Home Clean Most pet owners dread the rain because it means muddy paws all over the house. Wet weather aside, dogs, especially puppies love to dig dirt, play in the mud and run through puddles. A dirt trapping mat is one way to minimize all the cleaning and mopping. Read about a few other ways to prevent your dog’s muddy paws from messing up your clean home. How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Clean  Disposable wipes: Rain or sun, your pet must go outside to relieve herself. Wet wipes are a quick and convenient way to clean the mud and dirt off her paws when she comes in. While some pets may have sensitivities to the cleaning solution, most others have no adverse reactions. Keep a box of these handy near your pet door. Paw cleaning mitt: Many pet owners recommend using this because the fluffy fibers trap dirt effectively and keep your hands clean. To remove stubborn dirt, simply wet it. The mitt is less expensive than … [Read more...]