Dog door advice, question and install

[sniper7]

We are going to get rid of our dog door that sits in the frame of the sliding glass door frame. Just tired of losing the extra space trying to get outside.

im researching the different options for a wall cutout dog door. Dual flap seems to be the way to go as our single flap one will blow open a bit in a strong wind.

i am also open to the option of a glass cutout in the door but haven't looked at those yet and I imagine the cost is a good bit more to get glass cut.

what so you guys recommend?

we currently have about 17" between the framing outside and an outdoor electrical outlet. I think that will be enough as the size we need is only about 10" wide plus whatever the frame is so probably 12" total.

i attached a couple pictures of inside and out to give an idea of what I'm working with. Any other advice is appreciated

[muddywings]

see: https://www.ar-15.co/threads/111607-...light=dog+door

..and I had one of those dual flap dog doors up in Anchorage. Worked great but it was through a wall from the garage, not a room within the house. Right now I'm suffering same as you with a sliding glass door insert

[sniper7]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Pet...0?N=5yc1vZc1i7


anyone have this one? So far it is at the top of my list

[Ah Pook]

Don't do this.

[muddywings]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Pet...0?N=5yc1vZc1i7


anyone have this one? So far it is at the top of my list

That's what I had in AK. worked great. I had to drop in a bunch of 2x4 inside the wall to make sure the tunnel wouldn't collapse when/if the dog stepped on it. Never had any issues. It does have a nice slide insert that can be locked if you are gone on vacation. The magnets worked well in holding the flaps down so the wind wouldn't blow it open but it's a bit windier here.
Took a bit more coaxing the first time to go through the tunnel since it isn't just a simple door but didn't take more than 5 minutes to learn it was no big deal.

FYI: golden retriever about 70-80lbs

ETA: it was a selling point when I sold the house as the guy who bought it said, 'great...now I can get a dog.' as the wife rolled her eyes!
I would probably do the same thing but as of now, my house layout doesn't lend it self to any place other than the sliding glass door unless I want to put in a large deck.

[rondog]

Oooh oooh oooh! I've done this! If I can do it, anyone can.

Yes, double door is needed. I think mine is a Pet Safe brand, came from Pet Smart. Has good instructions and cutting template, made for wall installation.

First thing you want to do, is make damn sure there isn't a HVAC duct in that wall feeding a room upstairs! I came this >< close to cutting into the space where the duct feeding our guest room is. Easy to figure out with a tape measure and some head scratchin'.

Otherwise, it's pretty easy. Keep in mind the size of the dog(s), you don't want it too low or too high for them. You may need to build up an entry platform of some kind outside too.

Once the holes are cut in the wall, you should reinforce the sides of the hole by adding pieces of 2x4 inside the wall, very easy with a few screws. Gives support for the door halves to squeeze against, and wood for the screws to bite into.

Have some caulking handy to caulk up any holes/gaps, and you're done! Maybe a little touchup here/there, but it's an easy job. You'll spend more time fretting over it than actually doing it. Just make sure the area between the studs is clear first. That elec. outlet can be moved if need be, that ain't hard either.

Our two Beagles love their door, they use it dozens of times a day. Just make sure it's big enough, but not TOO big. Don't want any skinny burglars crawling in.

[sniper7]

Thanks for the link muddy wings, totally spaced doing a search! Looks like a few guys here got the same thing I am looking at and are happy with it.

only question is my siding on the outside. Is there foam or insulated material or rubber to seal the gaps or is that something I'll need to figure out?

[sniper7]

Thanks rondog, great advice. So far I think I am good as far as hvac and electrical go as long as they didn't run the wires sideways roars the door I should be good to go on that end. Spacing looks good as far as I can tell. The big dog is okay for height but the little dog will probably need me to build a ramp or step on the outside to make it easier for her to hop through.

[muddywings]

Thanks for the link muddy wings, totally spaced doing a search! Looks like a few guys here got the same thing I am looking at and are happy with it.

only question is my siding on the outside. Is there foam or insulated material or rubber to seal the gaps or is that something I'll need to figure out?

Yeah, I just used clear silicon caulk if I recall. Couldn't tell. This was on a standard maconite clapboard siding if I recall (about 11-12 years ago)

[rondog]

Mine didn't come with any gasket for the siding, but that's a simple fix. Use foam tape if you want, I just pumped in silicone from a caulking gun.