Most of us do everything we can to keep our dogs safe. We protect them, shelter them, love them, and ensure they are always safe. To keep them safe, sometimes you need to keep them insulated from certain areas. This is where dog gates come in handy.
The problem is the traditional dog gates are bulky and can take up a lot of space. On the other hand, retractable dog gates can be retracted back into the post when not in use. That way, they do not take up much space in your home’s interior or exterior.
Today, we will shed light on retractable dog gates and help you understand how to install and use them.
What is a Retractable dog gate?
Retractable dog gates are often made from mesh. Pull the mesh from the post and attach it to the opposite brackets to block a certain area. That way, the area will be cordoned off. When you do not intend to insulate the area, simply detach the mesh barrier from the opposite brackets, and the mesh will retract back into the post.
The mesh screen ensures that even if it comes in contact with the same, the dog doesn’t suffer from any injury. Mesh structure makes it easy to maintain and does not hamper the airflow.
You might be thinking, all that is great but are thee difficult to install?
No, they aren’t!
The step-by-step procedure below will help you understand how to install and use these dog gates.
How to install a Retractable dog gate?
The dog gate has a post inside which the mesh screen is rolled. The post consists of two brackets. You can use these brackets to install the post vertically. Apart from that, you get two additional brackets that can be installed on the opposite side of the space you want to block.
Indoors:
Most such dog gates can be installed outdoors and indoors. The procedure to install them indoors includes the following:
Step 1: Measure the doorway:
Before you even buy the dog gate, measuring the gap you want to block off is important. This can be the stairs’ entrance, the doorway’s width, and so on.
Step 2: Buy the Retractable dog gate accordingly:
Most such gates cover a width of 72 inches. Therefore, if the gap is less than that, the dog gate is compatible with the same. Anything more than that, and the gate won’t be able to block it off. Therefore, once you take the measurements, you must buy the dog gate accordingly.
Step 3: Install the brackets:
You have to start by installing the brackets that are attached to the post. You can use a normal drill machine to punch in the holes for the same and then fasten the screws.
You must mark the spots in alignment with the post brackets for the other two brackets and drill the holes for their installation accordingly.
Once you install the brackets, you will notice that the mesh screen starts protruding from the post and will have handles for you to pull the mesh out. You can also attach these handles to the brackets on the opposite end to ensure that the mesh screen remains in place. Once you release these handles from the opposite brackets, the mesh will retract into the post.
That’s it!
Outdoors:
Fortunately, the procedure to install the dog gate outdoors is similar. The only difference is that an outdoor dog gate usually lasts less because of the impact of UV rays.
How do you use a retractable dog gate?
Now that you are familiar with the installation, it is time to look at the usage.
1. Blocking off the space:
Most retractable dog gate posts are designed in such a way that even when the mesh screen is inside, there will be two handles that you can use to pull out the mesh screen. Once you pull it out far enough, you can attach these handles to the opposite brackets. That will keep the mesh screen in its place.
2. Retracting the mesh screen:
Pull the handle out of the brackets and let go of the handle. That will retract the mesh screen into the post.
Only the post and the opposite two brackets will be visible when not in use. In this way, the dog gate is minimalistic and does not appear like an eye sore.
Tips to use the Retractable dog gate in the right way:
While using such a dog gate is fairly simple, but there are a few tips you need to follow. Once you stick to these tips, it becomes easier to increase the life span of the dog gate.
1. Ensure proper alignment of brackets:
During the installation of the dog gate, you have to ensure the proper positioning of the brackets.
The two brackets of the post should be in proper alignment with one another. Only then the post will be exactly parallel to the surface on which you are installing the brackets. Once you have installed these two brackets right, it is time to install the brackets on the opposite side.
The brackets on the opposite surface should be in exact alignment with the brackets of the post. In that case, the mesh screen will only be completely horizontal once you attach the handles to the opposite brackets.
Any misalignment means that obstacles won’t be created for the dog. Also, misalignment can put excessive pressure on the brackets, which means that the screws might come loose eventually, and you might have to reinstall them again.
2. Check surface compatibility before installation:
Usually, the brackets can be fastened with screws. Because of this, the brackets are compatible with most surfaces. Below we will list some surfaces on which you can install a retractable dog gate.
• Bookcase/cabinets:
Any wall-mounted bookcase or cabinet can be used to install the dog gate. Usually, these are made from plywood or MDF boards. You have to ensure that the screws are not thicker than the MDF board itself. If the MDF board is pretty thin, you can install wooden blocks on the cabinet and the bookcase and install the mounting bracket and dog gate on these wooden blocks.
• Solid surfaces:
Any solid surface like concrete, stone, brick, or mortar is suitable for installing the dog gate. However, the hardware you might need to install the mounting brackets on the surface can change. It is easy to get screws compatible with concrete,, stone, or brick from your local hardware store. The length of the screw will change depending on the surface on which you are installing the dog gate.
• Fiberglass:
You cannot directly install the dog gate on the fiberglass. The screws installed in the fiberglass won’t be able to handle the pressure and will come off eventually.
If you want to install it on fiberglass, either way, it is a good idea to mount the brackets on the support, which attaches the fiberglass to the solid surface behind. Even if the fiberglass uses the backer board, you can install an additional one; it would be great.
Installing the mounting bracket reducesreduces the lifespan of the gate and the fiberglass sheet.
• Vinyl siding:
Similar to fiberglass, you cannot install the mounting brackets directly on the vinyl sliding either. Using the boards underneath the siding to install the brackets is a good idea. If you cannot attach the brackets to the board underneath, it is best to avoid installing the dog gate.
While most of the materials are compatible with the brackets, some require a different installation mechanism, as highlighted above.
3. Check for outdoor compatibility:
Most dog gates can be used indoors and outdoors. However, do not assume that the dog gate you’re buying can be used in both places. That is because some retractable dog gates cannot handle the monsoons, UV rays, and excessive moisture.
It is best to check the water resistance rating and UV resistance before choosing one if you want to install it outdoors.
4. Release it slowly:
When you want to release the mesh screen and allow it to retract, it is a good idea to remove the handles from the bracket and slowly move it toward the post. If you release it completely right away, it will retract with a lot of force due to the spring action and suffer from more wear and tear compared to slow retraction.
FAQs:
Are retractable gates good for dogs?
Yes, retractable gates are good for dogs as they keep them away from dangerous areas in your home and create a proper barrier for dogs and babies.
Can a dog escape underneath the retractable dog gate?
Most retractable door gates have a wire frame on top and bottom to maintain structural integrity. That is why dogs usually cannot escape beneath them. However, if a dog applies all its weight against the mesh screen, it can deform it to escape underneath.
Can a dog jump over the retractable dog gate?
The usual height of such a kit is 34 inches. That is why it is difficult for most dogs to climb or jump over the gate. However, it is technically possible if your dog can jump over 34 inches.
Conclusion:
The retractable dog gate is easy way to keep your dog safe at your home. As explained above, it is easy to install, blends well with the aesthetics of your home, and helps you confine your dog to the safer areas of your home. If you’re in two minds about buying a retractable dog gate, we recommend you go ahead.
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