Doggie door...

[WoodMangler]

Hiya

I built this last April, and all was fine until it got cold...

This thing let's the artic blasts right in... and I can't think of a way to limit the amount of cold air and still allow the dog and cats to get out. The door is just a 3/4" pine header with a 1/4" plywood piece set into it...

Any ideas welcome!

http://a2.cpimg.com/image/E0/9B/14805472-f031-0200013C-.jpg

[Bill D]

What about magnetic strips? I mean, trim the door size to about 1/8 less than the opening, and line the edges of the opening and door with self adhesive magnetic strips (available in rolls, like tape), as per the back of fridge magnets. By putting the magnets on the door edges, you will still allow the door to swing both ways, but the magnets should keep the door in the closed position during windy periods. The pets will have to learn to give it a little nudge to open it, but they will learn quickly. Hope this helps.

[Woodcat]

Most doggie doors I've seen have thick plastic sheet inserts that are either free swinging, or have slits cut in them for entrance and exit, but close up afterwards. you could replace the wood door with this sheeting (think restaurant walk-in fridge door strips). I have tried to include the picture here, but the attachment system won't work for me for some reason. (I have no trouble doing it on other forums, but this one seems not to like my files and will not attach even the simplest small picture).

Anyway, the idea is simple, just frame the plastic sheet in wood to fit into the opening (without the door in it) and then once installed, cut slits in the plastic to allow the cats and dogs access. Should be a lot warmer

[daveferg]

First, since the design looks like you're fitting it in a sliding door, check to make sure there is good weatherstripping at the sides and top/bottom.

I'd also look at some of the commercial door flaps, as to material and construction. The ones I use are see-through thick plastic (like the kind they use over doorways in coldstorage warehouses). They also have a magnetic strip at the bottom of the flap that keeps them from staying open.

[Frank]

I remember seeing an ad for a door similar to what you have, but with some kind of locking mechanism. The dog and/or cat had a little box on it's collar, and when they got to the door it would unlock. This was for anti-burgular reasons, but I'm sure it would help in your situation too. I'll see if I can locate the source for you.

Frank

[WoodMangler]

I was thinking of those heavy plastic strips too... guess I'll see where I could get them...

Thanks all....

[DustyBob]

Marc,
I got a few strips a couple of years ago from Costco for free. I talked to their building maintenance guy and he gave me a few used 20' lengths that had been replaced on their cold box door. A lot of warehouses use them. Might be worth a try and the price is right. :D

[WoodMangler]

Excellent suggestion!

By golly, I'll do that! :)

Thanks Bob....

[Billy B]

Marc,

Maybe this was implied or already stated, but most doggy doors have two flaps with magnets at the bottom on the inside wall and the outside wall, it creates a little "foyer" to keep the bad weather out. My basset hound uses one I installed in the wall, and he is just glad to be able to go in and out on his terms.

Cheers,
Bill

[WoodMangler]

OK... I promise I wont complain about how cold it is here in Georgia ever agin... I swear :)

I like that idea... Thanks!

[Norm in Fujino]

My dog and cats have me well trained: they want to go out/in, they say, "Hey, dummy, open the door!" So I do.
I'm sure I must be doing something wrong, but at least it keeps the cold air out.

[Blueraven]

Mangler,

I live Ak and it gets cold..Its 10deg F here now.

Best way is use the frame and plastic flap from a Johnson
on the inside wall. Eventually this will wear out so get the thick plastic walk-in refrig strips they use in meat wharehouses. Cut 3" wide strips along its length(vertically) and then attach to the inside. You can attach it to the Johinson frame if you want to keep its trim look.

Build a perfect looking doghouse extending outside..Paint and do roof just like your home. It will look like a dog house connected to your house. Cover the outside door opening with a piece of army blanket cut wide and high enough to fit the opening. You can slit it like the plastic if you want.

Now the best design i did was like above except it ran parrallel to the wall. The dog went thru the inside wall, immediately turned left and then right to the outside door. Both opening have the opening covered like mentioned above. This design doesnt let the wind blow straight thru..Also, the animal can lay inside it if they want and peak out.

Ill try a pic attachment for both type..The light here is weak this time of day up here, sorry.

Hope this helps and at least gives some ideas.

Blueraven