What is the mesh fabric made of and how durable is it?
The mesh used for Retract-A-Gate is a tough reinforced polymer composite material. It’s very durable, yet still allows you to clearly see through it. In other applications this same mesh is used for truck tarps to hold down cargo. The mesh material is UV, mildew, and highly scratch/claw resistant and has been extensively tested for pets with great results. As tough as the mesh is, it will not have a long life if used for pets with behavioral problems or ones which persistently scratch or chew. For pets (namely dogs) with these issues, we recommend you use a solid steel gate. As with any new pet, training is an important part of their care, and pets should be trained to respect items within your home including new things brought into their environment. This goes for everything from new babies to gates which block their path. Even well behaved pets can sometimes act unexpectedly, but good training will avoid most problems.