Many years ago, we came up with an idea to keep our house cool in Summer that used Nature instead of expensive, electricity consuming air conditioners.
We have five cats and since several of them are indoor cats, we could not leave our windows or doors open in the searing heat, so we came up with an idea that meant we could leave the windows or doors open while keeping everyone secure – the result was a grate made from inexpensive materials that fit the purpose, and we want to share it to help all of you in flats and houses who want some cool breeze to enter their homes without leaving doors and windows wide open.
Disclaimer
This project requires tools that should not be used by young children – we know you have common sense to only get adults to build it. Talking of common sense, please be careful of small children when the grate is within the window, it may prevent pets from getting out but not small children – if in doubt, don’t put the grate up.
Materials
20.5mm x 33mm sustainable wood
Cup Square Bolt (65mm long) with a washer and wingnut
PVC coated wire mesh – around £10-20 from Wilkinsons (UK) – we used this type of mesh as it doesn’t rust in wet weather and has more strength to prevent animals from clawing it and making holes!
Tools
Staple Gun with 6mm staples
Wire cutters
A saw
Screws
Power drill and 6 or 7mm drill bit
Method
1. Measure the inside of your window.
Cut the wood to length, if required use a mitre cut at 45 degrees for a snug fit.
2. Check that the wood fits together inside the window – you may have to trim as required.
3. Drill and screw the wood together
Then check it fits inside the window again.
4. With the assembled frame inside the window, mark where you want the bolt to go through.
5. Drill the hole – I used a 6mm or 7mm drill bit.
6. Unravel the wire mesh and stretch over the frame, and using the staple gun, secure the mesh on one side.
Then stretch it across to the opposite side and fix again with the staple gun. Repeat for the last remaining sides.
7. Using the wire cutters, trim off the excess.
8. Depending on your windows, you have have to cut a small piece of wood (as a spacer) and use the same drill bit to make a hole – we had to do this as there was a lip on the UPVC windows and the lock would not secure properly.
9. Now you will need to cut a another piece of wood to use as the lock – see image.
10.Push the bolt through the hole from the mesh side, through the spacer and the lock and twist on the wingnut.
11. Back to the window, insert the frame gradually and slowly as you do not want to tear the draught excluder around the window frame. Twist the lock up into
the horizontal and tighten the wingnut.
There you are, simple. You can now enjoy Nature’s cooling breezes during the Summer and allow your pets to enjoy the fresh air.