Removing a dog door can be tricky. Before you start, you’ll need to gather the right tools and material for the job or hire an expert to do the job for you. You can remove the dog door by starting with the dismantling of the pet door and repairing the hole or replacing it with a new doggie door. Read on to learn more about how to take a dog door off.
Table of Contents
- What tools do you need to remove a dog door?
- Is removing a dog door easy?
- When should I consider removing or replacing my dog door?
- Should dog doors be replaced after too many years?
- Do dog doors waste energy in your home?
- Can old dog doors be reused?
- Are there other options instead of removing my dog door?
- How long does it take to remove a dog door?
- Should you hire someone to remove my dog door or do it yourself?
- How much will it cost to remove a dog door?
- How much will it cost to install a new door after removing my old one?
- Can dog doors be easily recycled?
- Are there DIY videos online to help you with removing doggie doors yourself?
What tools do you need to remove a dog door?
To remove a dog door you’ll need certain tools and equipment to aid in the process. As stated by Masterclass here are the necessary tools to get the job done:
- Pet door kit
- Jigsaw or reciprocating saw
- Drill with multiple drill bits
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Wire cutters
- Utility knife
- Sandpaper
- Tape measure
- Sawhorse
- Painters tape
- Caulk or silicone sealer
- Work gloves
- Eye protection
- Respirator mask
Is removing a dog door easy?
Dismantling and removing the dog door is the first and easiest step in the project. Whether the dog door was in an existing door or on an interior/exterior wall in your home, you’ll need to consider what materials will be needed to match the existing material from where the door was removed. Getting a perfect match can be a difficult task but can be done with the right tools and material.
When should I consider removing or replacing my dog door?
Just like anything else, dog doors can get damaged or breakdown with constant use. Signs and symptoms of when you should replace a dog door can be quite obvious. If the door isn’t functioning properly, if you start losing too much heat from the dog door due to damage to the sealing, or if the door stops working altogether, you may want to consider a replacement or permanent removal.
Should dog doors be replaced after too many years?
After excessive use, the dog door may need to be replaced due to wear and tear. An alternative to removing and replacing a dog door could be simply by replacing parts as needed. Many dog door systems have parts available from manufacturers or stores where you bought the door.
Do dog doors waste energy in your home?
Cheap or poorly installed dog doors can be big on energy-wasting as they let excess heat out of your home and into the outside world. This can be a big problem. Luckily, there are dog door systems out there that are energy efficient and with the proper installation, may not cause any significant energy loss.
Can old dog doors be reused?
Depending on the state of the dog door and if it wasn’t damaged during the removal, dog doors can be reused, upcycled, and repurposed. Many people prefer to not waste products unnecessarily and donating your old dog door to a second-hand store or selling it as a used product can be a great environmentally friendly option for disposing of your old dog door.
Are there other options instead of removing my dog door?
Other options that you may have instead of completely removing your dog door could be to find replacement parts to fix the dog door. As well, you could seal off the dog door for a time when it is not in use. Like Winter, or when you are away from home for extended periods.
How long does it take to remove a dog door?
Removing the dog door itself can be relatively quick. This can be done within 2-4 hours with the right knowledge, tools, and materials. Repairing and patching the hole is the more time-consuming part of the project. Depending on what material is being replaced, this can take anywhere from 1 day to multiple days.
Should you hire someone to remove my dog door or do it yourself?
Some people prefer to do things themselves but if you don’t have the time or aren’t overly confident in the construction process, then hiring an expert could be your best option. Hiring an expert will almost guarantee that the job will be done right and in a timely fashion. They will also ensure that the door is installed safely.
How much will it cost to remove a dog door?
Doing it yourself can be relatively affordable. You’ll need to consider the cost of material and potential tools that you’ll need to get the job done. Other than that, it is just your time. On the other hand, If you hire an expert, this could cost you between $500 to $2000 for labor costs and materials.
How much will it cost to install a new door after removing my old one?
The experts at Home Advisor break down the pricing for the cost of a new door, labor, and materials:
Dog door brands and costs:
- PetSafe
- $10 – $210
- Hale
- $180 – $110
- PlexiDor
- $190 – $2,000
- Endura
- $50 – $450
- Power Pet
- $350 – $800
Cost of Installation and Materials:
- In-glass
- $355 – $1,250
- In-wall
- $400 – $2,000
- Preinstalled
- $950 – $2,300
- Storm insert
- $275 – $750
- Cat door
- $75 – $400
Can dog doors be easily recycled?
Some dog doors are made of plastic which makes it easier to recycle the material after removal. Although, you should check to see if there is a recycling label on the product before trying to put the door into the recycling bin. Further dismantling of the door may be required to ensure that the different material is going to the correct recycling bins.
Are there DIY videos online to help you with removing doggie doors yourself?
Absolutely! There are many great videos online that will help you with the process of removing the dog door on your own. These videos will include what tools and material you need as well as a step-by-step process on how to safely remove the dog door.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.