Although installing a dog door might require basic planning and fewer hands, it would certainly need a reliable holding mechanism to hold the flap from blowing open.
So how to keep the dog door flap from blowing open? If you live in an area where winds hit your house regularly, you probably know how annoying a dog door flap can be.
This article will provide some useful tips that will help you prevent a dog door flap from blowing open.
Table of contents
What are dog door flaps, and why do you need one?
Dog door flaps are convenient passageways that allow dogs to get in or out without their owner’s intervention. These doors are simple to use and require a small area for installation. Once installed, your dog can get in and out without bothering anyone.
But why do you need one? As mentioned earlier, dog door flaps make your dog’s life convenient as you won’t have to monitor your dog all the time. Your dog can access indoors and outdoors when they want using the door flap.
However, door flaps also have some issues, especially during the windy season, as they can blow open, especially when you don’t have a secure holding mechanism.
Why should you bother about dog door flaps opening?
Since most dog door flaps feature vinyl construction, they are lightweight and ineffective against rough winds. In short, a strong gust of wind might leave the door flap open for hours.
But why should you bother about this? Although a dog door flap requires less space, it can contribute to larger problems if left unattended for hours.
For instance, an open door flap can allow cold air to escape from your indoors or circulate warm air from outside, especially during the summers. Likewise, you can experience similar results when your heated indoor environment can become cold due to an open dog door flap.
Likewise, unwanted guests like rodents, snakes, or other animals might make their way inside if your dog door flap remains open.
How to prevent dog door flap from blowing open
Preventing a dog door flap from blowing open is crucial, especially during winters, to keep your house insulated. Besides checking the dog door flap manually, you can use some techniques to prevent your dog door flap from blowing open.
Here are some useful tips that will undoubtedly help your cause.
Use rubber flaps
Vinyl flaps are excellent for dog door flaps as they can withstand extreme temperatures without losing their shape. However, vinyl flaps are lightweight, which makes them ineffective, especially during the windy season.
In short, you will have to find a replacement that will offer identical results without compromising the sole purpose of serving as a convenient dog passageway.
Rubber flaps can be an ideal alternative as they are heavier than vinyl flaps. Furthermore, rubber flaps will repel wind more comprehensively than vinyl flaps, preventing the door flap from blowing open.
You can find factory-made rubber flaps in most stores or make them yourselves with minimal fuss.
Use metal shields
Using metal shields along with your standard vinyl flap can help you prevent your dog door flap from blowing open. You can make these metal shields removable so that you would be able to remove them whenever you want.
However, you will have to monitor the wind and remove the metal shields manually unless you have figured out a way to do so automatically.
If you can live with some manual work, metal shields can offer a complete windshield and prevent your dog door flap from blowing open.
Use magnets
One of the most efficient ways of securing and strengthening a dog door flap against unruly winds is to install magnets around the door.
You can chart a layout and install magnets at specific points to allow the vinyl flap to close automatically. These magnets will keep the door flap in place without compromising your dog’s in-and-out experience.
Furthermore, you can also install an additional door flap to enhance wind protection. However, ensure that the magnets are not too strong or weak, as it can translate into an experience for your dog.
Use silicone caulking
Adding silicone caulking or weather strips can strengthen the overall bond between the door and the flap to offer better wind protection. Furthermore, the caulk will cover the air gaps and give stability to the door flap.
You can enhance the strength of the silicone caulk by adding weather strips around the door frame and flap to get maximum protection.
However, ensure that the silicone caulk is not too strong for your dog, as it might hinder his in-and-out experience, especially during emergencies.
Overall, adding silicone caulk is one of the best ways to prevent a dog door flap from blowing open.
Things you need to consider when installing these preventive measures
Here are the things you need to consider while installing a metal shield or rubber door flap.
- Always run a mock test by letting your dog pass through the door flap before completing installation.
- Ensure that the replaced door flap (rubber flaps) are not too heavy for your pet.
- Ensure that you remove the metal shields after evaluating the weather.
- Do not install excessive magnets to hinder your dog’s in-and-out process.
- Measure the dog door flap accurately and leave enough passageway for smooth entry and exit.
Final Thoughts
Door flaps can become a delightful experience for your dog, as it offers a personal space where your dog can enter and exit the house without bothering the owner.
However, you might face problems if the wind blows your dog door flap open, especially during the summer and winter seasons. We hope that this article has solved your problem and helped you prevent your dog door flap from blowing open.
