How To Insulate a Pet Door Flap

Pet doors allow your furry loved ones to come in and out as they please. However, many pet-door flaps are poorly insulated, which can cost you money on your heating or cooling bills. Follow the advice below to fix the issue without having to get rid of your pet door.

Step 1 – Purchase a Weatherproof Pet Door if Possible

The best way to prevent a poorly insulated pet door is to install a new one that comes designed with weatherproofing features. While these doors might cost more, they will save you money over time on energy bills.

If you have an older pet door, consider replacing it. It might cost you more money and time to weatherproof an older one that it would take to purchase a new one. If you decide to keep your old one, continue with the following steps to insulate it.

Step 2 – Seal the Door Frame

First, check around the pet door to see where the air is passing through. It’s likely that the majority of air is escaping or coming in through the frame, where the pet door attaches to the face of the door.

Cleaning and Installing Draft-Proofing Strips

To seal the frame, first release it by unscrewing it from the door. Then, clean any areas where the pet door comes into contact with the regular door. Install a draft-proofing strip around the door aperture, so that it will be under the pet-door frame.

Using Silicone

Fix the pet-door frame back in place and tighten the screws. If you want to weatherproof it, even more, use a bead of silicone sealer around the outside of the frame against the door.

Step 3 – Install Rubber Insulation

Next, install light rubber insulation to either or both sides of the pet-door flap. Completing this step will make the flap a little bit thicker, and therefore it will reduce the amount of cold or hot air that can escape through the cracks. When choosing the type of rubber insulation, keep the weight and thickness of the insulation in mind. If it’s too thick or heavy, your pet may have trouble using the door.

Step 4 – Install Sealing Brushes

On some pet doors, you can install plastic or rubber brush strips designed to fit in the doorframe around the flap. These brushes help reduce drafts.

While installing a pet door is great for your pet’s well-being, it can make your home less weatherproof. However, by following the steps above, you can minimize any additional risks and costs. As an alternative to a pet door, consider installing a pet doorbell, so that your furry friend can let you know when it needs to go outside or when it comes back in.