How Long Do Pet Doors Last?
When you have pets that enjoy going outdoors, it can become tiresome to let them in and out all the time. The perfect solution is to invest in a pet door to give your pet the freedom to come and go as they please. However, before you buy a dog or cat door, there are a few things you need to know.
Types of Kitty and Doggy Doors
There are several different types of kitty and doggy doors with various features and uses. Therefore, you will want to evaluate each door and choose one based on your pet’s size and the location where you want to install the pet door.
Single Flap Pet Doors
The most basic type of pet door is a flap pet door. This style features a single flap usually held in place with weights and magnets. When your cat or dog pushes on the flap, it opens and allows them to exit or enter the house.
Double Flap Pet Doors
Another basic pet door option has two flaps. The dual flaps offer somewhat better insulation than traditional single flap doors. Since there are two flaps, this type of pet door may not be suited for kittens and puppies because they might lack the strength needed to open the flap.
Hard Plastic Pet Doors
Instead of a vinyl or PVC flap, hard plastic pet doors use a hard plastic flap. In addition, they often feature a lock, so you can control when your pet can exit and enter the home. This type of pet door does offer better security, as well, compared to flap pet doors.
Microchip Electric Pet Doors
If you want to ensure your pet is the only one that can exit and enter your house, a microchip electric pet door is a good choice. The door communicates either with your pet’s microchip or a microchip embedded into a collar. The door receives a signal from the microchip to unlock and allow your pet to exit or enter the home. Once they do, the door automatically relocks.
Factors That Affect Pet Door Durability
Now that you know more about the different types of pet doors, let’s look at the factors that determine how long pet doors last.
#1. Installation Location
While installing a pet door in an exterior door is the most common, pet doors can be installed in different locations, such as:
- In the Wall – Wall-mounted pet doors give you more freedom where to install the pet door since it just needs to be installed through an exterior wall. There are door extensions you can also use for thicker exterior walls.
- In Glass Doors – You can have a pet door installed in a glass sliding patio door or other types of glass doors.
- In Screen Doors – If you like leaving your door open for fresh air, you do not have to worry about your cat or dog tearing up the screen door when you install a pet door in the screen.
- In Windows – You can use sliding glass door pet doors and install these in windows. However, you need to make sure that your cat or dog can easily access the door and the window is not too high off the ground.
The location can affect the durability of a pet door based on the type of elements and weather conditions it is exposed to, such as heat and cold.
#2. The Quality of the Pet Door
If you want the best durability, you want a high-quality pet door made with superior materials. While these doors can have a higher upfront cost, they last longer. So, you will not have to worry about replacement parts like new door flaps that can quickly wear out on lower-quality doors.
#3. Energy Efficiency
Certain types of doors are more energy-efficient than others. If you are concerned about how installing a doggy door into a door or wall will affect your energy usage, you should consider doors with higher energy efficiency and insulation ratings.
#4. Upfront Costs
Some pet doors will have a lower upfront cost than others. However, those that cost less often require more maintenance and have higher maintenance costs.
#5. Ease of Installation
Some pet doors are easier to install than others. Review the dog door installation instructions, types of door inserts used with the door, and how the door works to determine if the door is a DIY installation or requires a professional to install.
#6. The Design of the Pet Door
If you want a pet door that looks elegant or matches the outer finish on your home, it can cost more than a basic-looking door. However, the door’s design should be the last consideration after determining what other features you want in your pet door.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing a pet door for your home, keep in mind that basic flap doors and doors made of lower-quality materials will require more maintenance and repairs, even though they have a lower upgrade cost. So, if you want a door that lasts the longest, consider investing in a door made from high-quality materials upfront.
To find modern and technologically enhanced pet doors for your cat or dog, please feel free to shop online at Australia Pet Doors or contact us at 0437-644-330 for further assistance today!