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How To Weatherproof A Dog Door? (In-depth Explanation)

Your beloved pet loves to go out and play on its own. So you make him a dog door. But you notice that your electricity bill is relatively higher. Wondering if you’re losing heat through the door? Well, your guess is right, it is!

How to weatherproof a dog door?

You can do this in two ways. First, you’ve to fill in the nooks and crannies in your door. And adding a cover and magnet to further weatherproof it. But if it doesn’t work, you need to opt for a weatherproof door!

You’re one step closer to reducing your stress of paying higher bills. Now, you can also give your adorable pet a safer door. So let’s check out how to do that down below!

How To Weatherproof Your Old Dog Door

You can easily weatherproof your house by following these few steps. This process is fairly beginner-friendly. And if you have too many pets, this will be very helpful!

Things You’ll Need

For the process, you’ll need a few things. Here’s the list of the essentials:

  • Vinegar
  • Clean Cloth
  • Candle
  • Pet Door Cover
  • Weatherstrips 
  • Silicone Sealant

Gather this and let’s start weatherproofing that door!

Step 1 of 4: Clean The Door Properly

First, start by cleaning your door thoroughly. Because even a small amount of dust can interrupt the process. 

For this, mix the same amount of water and vinegar and dip a cloth in it. Then use it to scrub the door flap and the frame well. Because if you have a buildup of soot similar to your toilet’s, then it won’t work!

Step 2 of 4: Inspect The Door For Leaks

After that, you’ll have to inspect for leaks. You can use your finger or a candle to do this. For inspecting with your finger, just run it through. If you feel the air, there’s a leak. 

Similarly for a candle, hover it slowly through every side. If there’s a flicker then there’s a leak. 

Step 3 of 4: You Need To Use A Cover On Your Door 

If you have leaks, you need to seal your door with a cover. Now, this is only a temporary solution. To find out about a more permanent solution, keep on reading. 

To cover your door, you need a pet door cover. This is like a blind for the door. You can buy this from any dog door manufacturer. 

Make sure that it’s compatible with your door. Take proper measurement of its size and the door type. Then add it to the door with gorilla glue. 

Step 4 of 4: Fill In The Holes In Your Door

One last step before you’re all done. You’ll have to seal the leaks and holes. For this, you can use a silicone sealant to caulk all the gaps. This is similar to caulking between tile and baseboard. Follow the instruction manual before using it!

Add weatherstrips to the frame of the door as well. Just follow the line of the frame and stick it. 

You can buy weatherstrips anywhere. But if you ask us, these are the best in the market!

Product 1
Product 2

You can try these without a doubt. Your door will be fully airtight after this. If you want, you can add a magnet to your frame. This will better keep the door closed!

If you feel like this method isn’t the one for you, consider installing a new door!

Steps To Installing A Weatherproof Dog Door 

Now, if the DIY method didn’t work, don’t worry.  A new door will solve your problem in no time!

You’ll have to invest in a weatherproof, energy-efficient dog door. You can find these at any dog door manufacturer’s store.

With this, your heating or cooling system won’t have to operate as much as before. As this door will be an almost airtight solution. Moreover, you might be saving about $7 a month in electric bills. 

Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the things you’ll be needing:

  • Pencil
  • Screwdriver
  • Drilling Machine
  • Hand Saw
  • Brush 
  • Silicone Sealant

Once you’ve got everything, let’s go install it!

Step 1 of 4: Measure Your Dog 

The first thing you need to do is take measurements of your dog. This is because this will determine the measurement of your door. 

If you have a puppy, factor in the height according to its breed. This will allow the dog to fit through as it grows. 

Now, measure the height from the dog’s shoulder to the ground. Then add 2 inches to the height. After that, take a measurement from the floor to its elbow. 

To find the length you’ll have to subtract the second from the first. Now for the breadth, measure the widest part of your dog’s body. That’s how you determine the height and width of the door.

Step 2 of 4: Take Out The Old Door

To install the new door, start by disposing of the old one. For this, follow your instruction manual but backward.  

If you’re unable to figure out how to, call an expert. A dog door manufacturer will be the best one to help you out!

Step 3 of 4: Mark And Cut The Outline of The Door

Next, mark an outline with a pencil on your door. The markings should be of the inside corners of the opening. That’s where you’ll have to make the cut.

After that, drill a hole in the center of each marked line. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for further guidance

Use a hand saw and cut the door according to the outline. After that, dust off any debris using a brush, and let’s install the door.

Step 4 of 4: Install the Door

First, install the side of the door in the outer frame without the flap. After that, install the interior part of the dog door from the inside. 

Use a screwdriver to put in the screws that came with the product. The apply a silicone sealant to caulk the outer frame. This will give the door added protection. Voila, you’re all done!

Carefully follow these instructions and you’ll have successfully installed your door! Trust me, the pros of having a pet door overweighs the cons!

FAQs

Question: How high should a dog door be off the ground?
Answer: The height can be anywhere between 5 to 10 inches. To understand the height of your door you need to measure your pet. Start from the floor and to the elbow.

Question: Can a small dog get through a large dog door?
Answer: Yes definitely, a small dog can pass through a larger door. And it’s best to get a door that is larger than your pet. In this way, you don’t have to change it later on! 

Question: What age can a puppy use a doggie door?
Answer: You can allow your puppy to use the door when it’s about 6 months old. Before that, you can train him by keeping him in a confined area. And as he ages, keep adding space. Do this a month before he turns 6 months!

Take Away

We’ve reached the very end of our segment. So, do you now know how to weatherproof a dog door? It’s a pretty simple setup.

If you’re finding it difficult, take help from a professional!

Have a great day ahead!