How to insulate a dog kennel for the winter. Do-it-yourself dog house: building a frame insulated structure

Each owner should know how to provide comfortable living conditions for the pet. When the cold season sets in, dog owners have a question about how to insulate a dog house for the winter, and whether there is a need for such an event.

Do I need to insulate a dog house?

Dogs different breeds tolerate differently low temperatures, but most of them cope well with the cold and are not even averse to sleeping in the snow. This is especially true for dogs of hunting breeds, since they are distinguished by dense and thick hair. But in order to understand whether a dog freezes in winter or not, taking into account only its breed is not enough. Dogs of the same breed tolerate cold differently, as they are grown and live in different conditions. Even the most cold-resistant animal, which was bred in an apartment or a warm house, will not be able to normally survive the winter on the street.

In the conditions of the Russian winter, the dog needs a warm booth

The dog's body adapts to the conditions environment, which affects the condition and quality of wool. The dogs kept in the apartment do not have an undercoat, since they do not need it. If such a dog is allowed outside, especially in winter, it will be cold.

It is important! Of course, if you transfer the dog to outdoor living in a booth, then over time the undercoat will grow back and the normal condition of the coat will be restored. You also need to pay attention to the size of the pet. Dogs large breeds do not lose heat so quickly, unlike small ones. If the dog has short hair or no undercoat, it is unacceptable to keep it on the street without a warm booth.

It is worth paying attention to the temperature that is set in the booth in the winter. If the dog house is made of wood (the most common material), then the temperature in the dog house will differ by a maximum of 3-4 degrees from the ambient temperature. This is due to the fact that air circulates freely through the outlet and does not allow heat to linger inside the dog house. Many owners hang a curtain on the outlet for the winter, however, this is not enough to create full and comfortable conditions for the dog in the winter.

What is the best way to insulate

A worthy owner will somehow carry out warming measures, because no one (except the dog itself) can definitely say whether the animal is cold in winter or not. In order to surely create good conditions in which the dog will endure the winter cold and not endanger his health, you need to choose materials for warming the booth.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool is the most popular material used for insulation. To use it for sheathing a kennel, you need to take into account many nuances. The dog at any time can gnaw or tear with its claws the insulation material, and it will lose its properties. Given the structure of the mineral wool, if the material enters the animal's stomach ( digestive system), then this is fraught with big health problems for the pet. Given the small dimensions of the kennel, work on insulation with mineral wool will become very time consuming. If you want to insulate with this particular material, you should take into account that you cannot use glass wool, a mandatory measure is the waterproofing of the material and cladding (regardless of whether the decoration is carried out inside or outside the kennel).

Mineral wool is often used to insulate dog kennels.

Styrofoam

A good option with which it is easy to insulate the booth. The thermal insulation characteristics of foam are the same as those of mineral wool, and even better. There is no need to carry out waterproofing, since the foam is resistant to environmental factors. It is better to choose penoplex or polystyrene foam for insulation of the booth. Considering that in any case the dog will try to scratch or gnaw at the heat-insulating material, facing works are also indispensable.

Styrofoam - an excellent and inexpensive insulation

Roll heat insulators

Of the most popular, polyethylene and penofol are distinguished. They are easy to fix outside the booth using a stapler. The material has good thermal insulation properties. As in the previous cases, sheathing is required.

Felt

The material is completely natural, which means it is safe for the animal. Its price is available to anyone. Ideal option for warming the booth. Considering that he has good level vapor permeability, prevents the accumulation of moisture in the booth, waterproofing measures are not required. Using felt, there is no need to resort to cladding, it is enough to fix the material with nails.

Felt can be used to insulate a dog house both inside and out.

It is important! If felt is chosen for warming the booth, then it is recommended to purchase fasteners (nails) with large caps. This will ensure reliable and durable fixation of materials on the kennel.

How to make a warm booth with your own hands

• If the kennel is made of wood, it is first of all recommended to treat it with a protective compound (antiseptic) that is safe for the health of the animal.
• For high-quality insulation, it is recommended to disassemble the structure in parts, check each element for cracks and, if necessary, eliminate them. A good material for this is construction foam.
• Laying thermal insulation material on the floor.
• Finished flooring.
• Attaching the selected material for insulation dog kennel on the walls, if necessary, waterproofing the walls and cladding.
• The last is roof insulation measures.

In addition to the option of creating comfortable conditions for the dog for the winter, indicated above, it is possible to use some types of heaters. Each of them is described in more detail below.

Curtain installation

The shutter on the outlet is installed according to the following sequence of actions:

1. Initially, at least 2 rectangular fabric elements are cut out. The dimensions depend on the parameters of the inlet. Add 5 cm to the length of each segment, add a distance to the width for attaching elements with an overlap.
2. The fastening of the material is carried out with inside booths, this can be done directly on the structure or on a pre-prepared and attached rail.
3. For a more reliable attachment, you can use the option of installing a curtain outside the kennel, but at the same time additionally build a frame around the perimeter of the outlet and fix it over the curtain.
4. For fastening, use self-tapping screws or nails with wide hats.

To weight the curtain, it is better to use a two-layer soft fabric, sewing it on from below. Choose a curtain material that will prevent heat loss from the kennel. Silicone blinds, an old warm blanket, felt are suitable for this purpose.

Step-by-step instructions for warming

1. Initially, the booth is turned over, they begin to process the floor with special compounds and attach the roofing material.
2. The structure is turned back and waterproofing material is attached inside the kennel. You can use the same roofing material.
3. The material should be overlapped to prevent gaps. At the joints, it is required to fix the roofing material with a mounting stapler.
4. Next, lay the insulation material. Given that in the future it will need to be covered with a finishing floor, it is recommended to use bars for attachment and build miniature logs from them.
5. Start laying the finished floor. For these purposes, processed boards, plywood or OSB are used.
6. The next step is wall insulation. The process depends on the material chosen, and before starting work, you need to read the manufacturer's instructions. But the principle of building a heat-insulating layer in a dog house is identical, regardless of the material.
7. First of all, they begin to clean and process the walls, if necessary, attach waterproofing materials, after which the thermal insulation is directly laid.
8. Depending on the requirements of the insulating material, they begin to finish the walls. For this, you can use, as for the floor, plywood, boards or OSB.
9. The last step is roof insulation. The work is carried out by analogy with the previous stages. If the roof of the kennel is designed in such a way that the dog does not have access to it, then lining is not required.

Video: do-it-yourself warm booth for a dog

Heating Options

There are several types of heaters that are allowed to be used in the booth.

Panel

The device, which is designed to heat the dog kennel, is small in size and is designed in a metal case. The installation is simple. The maximum temperature limit is 50 degrees. You can install the heater on the roof or walls of the booth. The positive characteristics of the device are its silent operation, minimal power consumption, no need for maintenance, during operation, it does not consume oxygen.

You can make a panel heater for a doghouse yourself

Film

The thinnest infrared heaters. Available in rolls and flexible. For the animal, they are completely safe and do not consume much energy. Additionally provide positive impact on the dog's immune system. You can install them in any comfortable spot in a kennel.

Warm floor

The contour design of the warm floor is easily made independently. To do this, you will need to use heating wires that need to be laid on plywood or chipboard and attached to the main structure. You can buy ready-made underfloor heating.

There is another option suitable for creating heat in a dog kennel - a convector heater. When choosing a device, it is important to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics and pay attention to safety and heating temperature. And it is best to use a convector mat in such a situation. The advantages of the equipment are that the device does not heat up to high temperatures, so it is completely safe for the animal.

Option for connecting a heater to a pet kennel

It is important! If you want to build a heater for a dog house, you need to make sure that it is completely safe for the animal, does not create a risk of fire and does not heat up too much. Maximum temperature for appliances - 50 degrees.

There are many options on how to insulate a dog house for the winter. After reviewing in detail with each of them, you can choose the most suitable for both the animal and its owner. The type of heating depends on the pet and on environmental conditions.

If you have a private house and there is a pet that lives on the street, then the issue of building a home for him requires the closest attention. We will figure out how to make an insulated booth in which the dog will be comfortable both in winter and summer, we will also figure out how to choose the optimal dimensions, what materials to use and in what sequence the work should be done.

I have lived almost all my life in the private sector, so I have experience in building booths.

Determining the optimal dimensions

This is the most important aspect, because if the dimensions of the structure are not designed for the dog, then it will be uncomfortable for her to stay in the booth. If it is too small, then the dog will be crowded, and if it is too large, then it will be cold in the booth in winter, which is also highly undesirable.

There is a whole algorithm for determining sizes, but I will not bore you with scientific calculations, but will tell you everything as much as possible simple form, in principle, the table below contains information that is suitable in most cases, and below I have outlined the main recommendations that you need to consider:

• The height of the booth inside should be 10-15 cm higher than the height of the dog, this is taking into account the fact that a warm bedding will be laid on the floor;
• The width should be 10 cm more than the height of the dog so that it can lie on its side with legs extended;
• The length of the booth should be 5-10 cm longer than the length of the dog, while the tail is not taken into account;
• The size of the hole is calculated as follows: its width should be 5 cm more than the width chest dogs, and the height is less than the height of the dog by 5-10 cm.

Now let's deal with the optimal location of the booth, since its choice is also of great importance:

• The kennel should be closed from wind blowing, take into account the predominant direction of movement of air masses and place the structure behind the barrier;
• If your dog guards the courtyard, then position the booth so that lying in it, the dog can see the gate and most of the yard;
• The structure should be located near the entrance, preferably on the south side;
• There should be a shaded area within reach of the dog so that he can hide there in the summer heat;
• It is important that the structure is not flooded in the autumn and spring, place the booth on a hill, if not, then make an embankment on your own.

Step by step description of the workflow

Now let's figure out how to organize the work and what you need to have on hand. I will talk about a simple option that can be implemented in just an hour if you have experience, and in a couple of hours if you are a beginner and do everything slowly. Let's start with the preparatory measures, since without them it is unlikely that it will be possible to cope with the work.

Gathering everything you need to work

First you need to collect all the materials, we will use this set:

Remember that dogs have a very delicate sense of smell, so treatment with various chemicals from fungus and pests can have an irritating effect on the pet. In extreme cases, you can cover the outer parts with the composition, but not the inner ones.

When carrying out work, you can not do without a tool, we need the following set:

• To cut materials, you can use either a conventional hand saw or a power tool: a jigsaw, reciprocating or circular saw, etc. In principle, there is not much work and you can get by with a hacksaw, among other things, it also cuts the insulation well;

• To tighten the screws, you will need a screwdriver, and if you use nails, then a hammer is enough. If you will be using self-tapping screws, then make sure you have the right type and size of nozzles;
• All measurements are made using a tape measure or a metal ruler; any suitable pencil can be used for marking. To make perfectly even ends, it is best to use a carpenter's square.

When preparing, I strongly advise you to draw a sketch of the future design or find a ready-made version on the Internet. Believe me, if you clearly represent the final result and know all the design features of your booth, then in the process of work there will be no unnecessary questions, and you will not think what to do next, because there is a ready-made plan before your eyes.

Construction construction

To begin with, I will show you a diagram so that you understand the sequence of work, and then I will tell you in detail about each of the stages, everything is quite simple and you do not need to be a professional builder to master this process:

• First you need to make the frame of the lower part, it can be assembled either from a 50x50 mm bar, or from a 100x50 mm bar, it all depends on what temperatures are in your region in winter. The second option seems to me more solid, so I chose it, the structure is connected with self-tapping screws 7 to 8 cm long or nails 100 mm long, jumpers are laid to increase strength, which are fastened in the same way;

• Then the flooring is nailed to the upper part, it is important to fix the elements as firmly and reliably as possible.. After that, the structure is turned over, glassine is laid on it from the inside, after which pieces of polystyrene are cut out and laid in the cavities, the remaining gaps are filled with mounting foam, it will serve both as a heater and as glue. Then another layer of glassine is laid outside, and the surface is covered with clapboard or;

From below, you can additionally attach two longitudinal bars or separate supports so that the structure is not located on the ground and is not saturated with moisture. This simple addition increases the life of the booth by at least one and a half times.

• Vertical racks are exposed, if your roof is gable, then they should be the same size, and if single-pitched, then one side should be higher than the other, the angle should be at least 15 degrees. Racks are best strengthened using a metal corner, which allows you to quickly assemble a very strong frame, it is important to set all the elements evenly so that the booth is neat;
• The frame is reinforced with crossbars at the top and in the middle, and the end parts should be made as separate shields that can be fastened securely and quickly. As a result, you should get a design similar to the one shown in the diagram below, there are no special requirements, the configuration may differ, the main thing is to strengthen the location of the manhole with bars on both sides, so that later you do not have to redo the frame;

• Next, you need to sheathe the inner surface of the walls of the booth, for this a lining is cut or pieces are cut out of plywood of the required size. When fastening, try to position the heads of the screws or nails so that they do not protrude above the surface, as the dog can get hurt on such elements if they stick out. Try to do everything as carefully as possible so that all the details fit together as best as possible;

So that the dog does not drive splinters, I always grind the surface of the lining or boards before sheathing the inner surface, this is a very important aspect that should never be forgotten.

• Then a heater is laid in the frame, I used polystyrene, but if you suddenly have mineral wool left after work, then it will do. It is important that the material does not emit small particles that can disturb the dog's sense of smell, glass wool is not suitable for this purpose. The entire space is filled with insulation, after which the joints can be blown out with mounting foam, and the surface can be covered with waterproofing material;

• After that, the outer part is sheathed, it is best to use lining for work, it looks great and has good thermal insulation performance. After finishing, all the cracks are again sealed with mounting foam, you should get a kind of sandwich panel like the one shown in the photo below. This design will perfectly protect the pet in the winter;

• Since I am looking at a pitched roof option, the opening top design will become great solution. It will allow you to check what is happening inside, especially if the pet is sick and does not go outside for a long time. The hinged part can be attached to two door hinges, while in order for the joint to be reliable, pieces of felt or non-woven material can be stuffed around the perimeter;

• Then, insulation is laid between the bars of the roof frame, after which the surface is covered with waterproofing material and sewn up with plywood or board. Further, a crate is stuffed on top and roofing material is attached, if you buy it, then the easiest way is to order a piece of corrugated board of the required size. It must be screwed with special roofing screws;
• Lastly, the outer part is painted or coated with a weatherproof impregnation or varnish.. This will protect the wood from moisture and make your booth more attractive. After the composition dries, you can put the structure in place and populate your pet in it.

As for operation, you can put a litter inside, there can be many options: from a tailor-made cover into which foam rubber or non-woven material is placed, to finished products that are sold in stores. In especially cold periods, you can put straw in the booth.

For the winter period, you can nail a curtain made of dense material over the manhole, it will protect the opening from the penetration of cold.

Conclusion

I hope that this simple instruction will help you build a warm and comfortable booth for your four-legged friend. The video in this article will clearly show some points of the workflow and help you understand the topic even better. If you have any questions, then write them in the comments below the review.

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!

The yard dog is constantly on the street. His health, activity and appearance very dependent on conditions. Maintaining the vitality of a pet in the cold season is possible only with the proper organization of the temperature regime inside the kennel. We will consider simple and affordable options for how to insulate a dog house for the winter with your own hands, and also offer the most effective and economical solutions for additional heating of an aviary.

Do I need to insulate the doghouse for the winter

Many owners of four-legged pets think about whether the dog is cold in the booth in winter. There is no single answer to the question - it all depends on climatic features region and dog breed.

Cynologists agree that long-haired, wire-haired and short-haired dogs with a thick undercoat can withstand frosts down to -40 ° C. Some breeds, such as the Husky, Leonberg, Moscow Watchdog and Bernese Mountain Dog, prefer to sleep in the snow and stay outside even with the onset of cold weather.

Warm house for a dog

However, whether a dog freezes in a booth in winter depends not only on the breed, but also on the conditions in which the pet grew up. If earlier he lived in an apartment, then it will be difficult for him to spend the winter in a kennel without insulation. In a warm room, dogs shed more and lose their warming undercoat. It is necessary to gradually adapt the animal's body to new living conditions.

If the region is dominated by cold winters with long periods of "minus" temperatures, then it is better not to risk the pet's health and equip a warm booth for the dog.

The need for thermal insulation of the doghouse

Compliance with a number of rules will help create an insulated kennel and reduce the heat loss of the structure:

1. The entrance to the pet's home is best located in a place where the likelihood of drafts is minimal.
2. For the construction of walls, it is desirable to use wood - the material has a low thermal conductivity.
3. dog house must not be placed on bare ground. The structure must be placed on bricks or wooden beams. The air layer will protect the bottom from freezing.
4. A draft for dogs is worse than frost. Therefore, the manhole must be curtained with a dense canopy. The material should be dense and weighted so as not to sway in the wind.
5. It is important to maintain the optimal size. The dog will be able to heat a compact booth with his breath. However, in a building that is too close, the movement of the animal will be limited.

Calculation of the optimal size of a dog kennel

In the winter booth, it is necessary to exclude leaks - eliminate all cracks on the roof and take care of the waterproofing of the roof even before insulation.

How to insulate a dog house with your own hands

The thermal insulation of the dog kennel is carried out according to the standard technology for warming the living quarters. The method of mounting the insulation depends on the type of construction of the booth: collapsible or solid.

Wall insulation - material selection and instructions

The walls of the collapsible model can be covered with a heat insulator from the inside or outside. If during the construction of a solid booth you do not take care of insulation in advance, then the only option for improving the microclimate is the outer skin.

The most popular "internal" heaters for the dog house:

1. Mineral wool. The weak side of the insulation is susceptibility to moisture and low strength. Before sheathing the booth with mineral wool, it is necessary to cover the walls with film waterproofing. From above, the insulation must be covered with a sheet of OSB or plywood so that the dog, while playing, does not destroy the insulation.
2. Felt is a natural, breathable, safe and affordable material. To insulate a doghouse with felt, you will need ordinary nails with hats. The heat insulator does not need additional finishing.
3. Roll insulation. Foamed polyethylene, polyethylene foam or penofol are fixed without crates.

To insulate a doghouse with outside, you will need foam, polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam.

Styrofoam insulation technology for a dog house:

1. From wooden blocks, fill the crate around the perimeter of the kennel.
2. Cut foam. The canvases should be 5-10 mm wider than the prepared cells - this will ensure a tight fixation.
3. Install the heater in the frame.
4. Cover the styrofoam with polyethylene. The protective layer will protect against drafts, and the insulation - from getting wet.
5. Finish with board. You should not postpone work, as the foam is susceptible to UV rays and moisture.

Insulation of a doghouse with polyurethane foam is more of an additional, rather than the main method. Foam is perfect for "blowing out" slots and holes from the outside of the structure.

Floor insulation options

Arranging a warm floor in a dog house involves laying insulation and bedding. Often the owners use only bedding material. This option is acceptable in warm regions, provided that the building is raised above the ground.

The procedure for warming the bottom and floor with your own hands:

1. Turn the kennel upside down and treat with an antiseptic impregnation that prevents the appearance of rot.
2. Close the bottom with roofing felt.
3. Turn the booth over and line the floor with glassine. Lay the insulating material with an overlap, forming sides around the perimeter with a height of about 10 cm.
4. Before installing the insulation, it is desirable to install logs from the bars.
5. Put mineral wool, penofol, polystyrene foam or other heat insulator into the cells.
6. Fill boards or OSB boards as a finishing floor.

Floor insulation with mounting foam

Be sure to lay a litter on top. There are many options for laying a dog in a booth in winter to ensure warmth and dryness.

Hay and straw. The easiest method is to put hay in the dog house. Such bedding will have to be shaken and changed weekly, otherwise the hay begins to cake and become damp.

Use of straw bedding

Mattresses and fabric bedding. On a warm blanket or pillow, you can sew a removable cover that can be washed. The bedding is made from natural, dense fabrics - optimally from wool. The disadvantage of the warming method is the need for frequent drying.

It is better to choose sawdust for a dog in a booth from cedar or pine. The material is soft, absorbs moisture well and repels fleas. It is possible to carry out partial replacement of sawdust.

The use of a heated mat in a doghouse requires a 220V power supply. Heating temperature is regulated in the range of 30-70 °C. Beddings are produced from moisture resistant fabric or PVC film.

Heated mat is more suitable for pets

Warming and insulation of the entrance

The final stage of warming is the closing of the manhole. It is the entrance that is the main source of heat leakage. Without high-quality protection of this structural element, all previous actions are meaningless.

How to close the entrance to the doghouse for the winter? To solve this issue, curtains and curtains made of tarpaulin, rubber and thick woven materials are usually used.

For self-manufacturing curtains under the manhole you will need:

• piece of dense fabric (worn-out flannelette blanket, felt);
• wooden rail;
• nails or screws;
• scissors;
• a hammer.

Tarpaulin strip curtain

Sequencing:

1. From the fabric cut out two identical elements of a rectangular shape. The length of each cut should be equal to the length of the inlet plus 5 cm, and the width should be equal to the height of the manhole.
2. Fasten the first piece of fabric, folded in half along the length, onto a wooden rail. The ends of the cut should be at the edge of the crossbar.
3. In a similar way, fix the second part of the entrance with an overlap at the junction with the mating half of 4 cm.
4. Using self-tapping screws, fasten the rail with a double curtain to the top of the manhole, connect the ends of the canopy with the opposite sides of the entrance. To reduce the likelihood of cracks, it is better to nail the curtain on the sides through a wooden lath.
5. Hanging doors should be made heavier by sewing a two-layer edging from the bottom soft tissue. Insert valves will close the formed gap between the curtain and the threshold, providing insulation.

Homemade curtain from a warm blanket

To improve the windproof and thermal insulation qualities of the canopy, four can be used instead of two layers of fabric. An alternative way to increase the effectiveness of the curtain is to install weights. It can be a steel bar or a set of metal plates sewn into the bottom edge of the product.

Among ready-made solutions for insulation, silicone blinds with a thickness of 0.5-1 mm have proven themselves well. The material is not afraid of cold, does not tan in the cold and is unpretentious in operation. The curtain elements are easily bent, opening the passage inside. An additional plus is the affordable cost of a silicone canopy.

Silicone canopy

Heating of the dog house

Heaters that provide high-quality and safe heating for a doghouse must meet a number of requirements: quiet operation, durability, low-temperature mode and heating efficiency. To a certain extent, panel heaters, film thermal insulation and cable underfloor heating have the declared parameters.

Panel heater

The most popular and easy-to-implement DIY heating method is installing a panel heater. Electric infrared panels allow you to maintain optimal temperature indicators inside the dog's home without special expenses for electricity and insulation.

Distinctive features applications of a panel heater in a dog kennel:

• noiselessness of work;
• compactness of the equipment - the standard thickness of the heating model is 2 cm;
• the heating temperature is not more than +50 ° С - due to moderate heating, air is not “burned” and there is no need to close the device with a protective wooden grate;
• ease of installation - the panel is fixed to the surface with self-tapping screws;
• resistance to a humid environment - degree of protection against moisture IP66;
• the presence of fire-fighting characteristics allows the heater to be operated around the clock without monitoring the kennel.

Heating panel for heating the booth

An infrared heater for warming a doghouse operates on the principle of thermal radiation - objects are first heated, which in turn transfer heat to the air.

High-tech models are equipped with a thermostat placed inside a protective metal box with a lock.

Film thermal insulation

Infrared film- an ultra-thin heater, the operation of which is based on the radiation of infrared waves. The heating element evenly distributes heat, preventing overheating of the animal.

A low-temperature film heater, regardless of the manufacturer, consists of three elements:

1. Heating element - converts electrical energy into thermal.
2. Foil - promotes uniform distribution of heat over the entire surface to be covered.
3. Laminated double-sided PET film - provides insulation and protects the internal components of the system from mechanical damage.

A warm booth for a dog with heating from IR film has a number of advantages:

• economical consumption of electricity;
• "healthy heating" - the length of the infrared radiation of the film coincides with the wavelengths emitted by animals, which increases immune functions animal body;
• high level of heat transfer - due to the uniform distribution of energy there are no "cold zones";
• heating foil for dog kennels does not change the humidity of the air.

Infrared film for ceiling or wall mounting

The main disadvantages of the systems: the high cost of insulation and the complexity of installation. The installation technology provides for covering the film heater with a protective coating.

The entire installation process with your own hands can be divided into several stages:

1. Surface preparation. It is necessary to level the wall - this is an important condition for uniform heating and uninterrupted operation. It is advisable to insulate the surface before installing the IR film in order to reduce heat loss.
2. Film preparation. Perform material cutting. The incision is made strictly along the marked lines. Subsequently, the sites will be connected into a single "warm carpet".
3. Installation of a film heat insulator:

• plan the layout, taking into account that the copper busbars are directed to the rough surface;
• remove 1 cm of insulation from the supply wires and put on the terminal;
• attach the films with adhesive tape to the wall, connect and crimp the contacts with pliers;
• close the joints of the wires with insulation.

Joining individual sheets of IR film

After installing the thermostat and temperature sensor, cover the walls with plasterboard or OSB boards.

Cable underfloor heating

An interesting option for creating a heater with your own hands is laying heating cables.

Ready-made purchased system "warm floor"

To create a home-made heating and insulation system, you need to prepare:

• thick plywood;
• wooden bars;
• thermostat;
• heating wire (power 80 W);
• silicone sealant;
• steel wire;
• scotch;
• sand.

An example of a cable underfloor heating

Of the tools useful: electric jigsaw, drill, screws, nails and a hammer.

Assembly technology "warm floor":

1. Seal all joints between the bottom of the frame and the bars with adhesive tape.
2. Cover the box with sand and check the operation of the system.
3. At a positive result- cover the box with a plywood lid.

The "warm floor" system is connected in late autumn

Place the finished structure in the dog's dwelling, connect the cable and lay a rug for the pet.

Alternative heating

In search of an alternative way of heating and warming with their own hands, some owners resort to bold, but not always effective methods:

1. Heating the dog house with a light bulb. The heating IR lamp is able to raise the temperature to the desired level. However, the animal runs the risk of overheating or getting burned on a hot device. The minimum distance from the lamp to the dog should be 50 cm, but this is difficult to achieve with standard kennel dimensions.
2. Autonomous booth heater. As a rule, devices run on batteries. Some models are heating pads with a filler that retains heat for a long time. In order for the heater to work and accumulate heat, it is preheated. A battery-powered heating pad can be used in a dog house as an addition to the main heating system.

If you wish, you can do the insulation and organize the heating of the booth of your beloved pet with your own hands, spending a minimum of money on work. Technology various methods quite simple and implemented within one or two days.

Good day readers and guests of the site.

Today we'll talk about how and how to insulate a booth for a dog, we will consider in detail the types of heaters and the main points of warming the booth for your pet.

To build or not to build a booth for a dog, I think it is pointless to argue, but whether to insulate it, opinions differ here. Someone believes that the dog is not afraid of frost, so warming is a waste of time and effort, especially since the accumulated heat will still go through the hole. Others are inclined to believe that the dog is much more comfortable in a “warm” booth, especially in winter. Here, as they say, it's up to you, the dog will not be able to express his opinion.

How to insulate a dog house.

So, how to insulate the booth?

Ideally, when building a dog house, it is better to use only environmentally friendly materials, such as wood. But what about the heater, because modern world offers it in a wide variety, and manufacturing technology involves the use of various kinds of chemical substances. Although the manufacturers of these products ironically declare the safety of such building materials for all living things.

For a dog house, the following heaters are used:

artificial felt- Made from polypropylene. Keeps heat well. This felt upholstered the inner surface of the house.

Styrofoam - is a foamed plastic mass, has high heat and sound insulation properties, is not subject to decay. It is actively used in the insulation of houses. There is a debate about the dangers and dangers of polystyrene foam. Since it is made on the basis of polystyrene containing residual styrene - a strong toxic substance that adversely affects a living organism. Styrofoam manufacturers claim that the content of residual styrene in polystyrene is not high (within 0.01-0.05%), which guarantees the safety of the foam.

Penoplex - represents a new generation of thermal insulation materials. Produced in the form of plates. The main advantages of the material: low thermal conductivity, does not get wet, does not rot.

Mineral wool- this is a fibrous heat-insulating material obtained by melting silicate rocks, metallurgical slags and their mixtures. It has high heat and sound insulation properties, is non-flammable and moisture resistant.

In addition to traditional methods of insulation, there are various kinds of forced insulation - heaters.

• Panel heaters- are electric infrared panels in a metal case. They are 2 cm thick and do not take up much space. The maximum heating is 45 - 50 degrees. This heater is mounted on self-tapping screws inside the booth, or hidden in a frame under the skin, the wire is led through a small hole to the outlet.

• Film heaters — are thermal films that work on the basis of infrared radiation. The maximum heating is 60 degrees. Mounted under the inner lining of the building.

How to insulate a doghouse.

Usually all parts of the booth are insulated - the floor, walls, roof.

When assembling, it is necessary to ensure that there are no slots and through gaps between the joints, I wrote more about this.

The insulation is inserted into the frame under the outer skin and closed from the inside with sheathing material. Such material can be plywood, oriented strand board OSB, lining, etc. Fiberboard and chipboard are highly undesirable. The inner lining should fit snugly against the frame and completely cover the entire surface of the applied insulation.

Since plywood tends to delaminate, to prevent this, I advise you to nail around the entire perimeter of the booth, as well as in the corners - a semicircular glazing bead.

Curtain for the booth.

For better heat retention in the cold season, the hole is covered with a curtain made of heavy and coarse fabric (for example, tarpaulin, artificial felt, etc.), while the size of the curtain should be such that it covers the entrance as much as possible. To do this, we measure the laz , add 5 cm from the side, and 10 cm from the bottom, mode into equal strips along the height, without cutting to the end, hang with a wooden plank and self-tapping screws from the outer or inner side of the booth.

And here is the second version of the manufacture of curtains for the manhole.

In order for the dog to endure the cold season more comfortably, a litter of dry straw or hay is arranged in the booth. It is advisable to change the bedding once a week, while shaking it daily to remove debris.

And in conclusion, I would like to say that not one insulated booth will save the dog from the cold in severe frost, so it is recommended to keep your pet in a warm room for this period. In less severe periods, the dog can easily get by with a booth, especially if it is insulated.

P.S. In the next article I will tell you in detail how to make an insulated booth for a dog. Not to be missed

Many cynologists believe that a dog needs an insulated kennel only if it belongs to a short-haired or smooth-haired breed. Furrier animals are able to endure cold winters. A thick undercoat provides warmth to a four-legged friend.

This article will describe different methods how to prepare a booth for a dog for a cold period.

The main stages of warming the kennel

Many are wondering how to insulate a dog house for the winter. Do not forget that our four-legged friends also need good care and comfortable living conditions. Let's look at how and how to insulate a dog house for the winter. Instructions and a detailed description of the process will help us in this important matter.

First of all, you should start working from the inside. For this purpose, a material protecting from the cold is laid under the outer layer of the skin. It is hidden with plywood or lining.

The inner lining must fit snugly against the insulation. At the same time, be careful that he does not crawl out from under it. Otherwise, cold air will enter your pet's home, which is already a danger to the health of the dog.

If the ceiling at the kennel has a hinged design, then you will need to lay additional material. If you are new to this business, be sure to read all the information you need, and also look at the drawings that explain in detail how to insulate a dog house for the winter. Photos of such structures show that there is nothing complicated in the process of their creation.

Roof sheathing is made of two or three layers. Metal, plastic or bitumen is perfect for roofing. Protecting the booth from the cold is complex and is carried out using different materials.

What is the structure made from?

How to insulate a dog house for the winter with maximum efficiency? Usually the gasket is placed in all parts of the kennel. For the floor, roof and walls, different materials are used, based on their characteristics, as well as the positive and negative sides.

How to properly insulate a dog house for the winter and what material to use depends on the location of the kennel and the personal choice of the dog owner, as well as how often the dog sits in his house.

Commonly used:

• Mineral wool. Great for insulating rooms. However, over time, the material goes astray and loses its original characteristics.
• Penoplex is lamellar plates that do not let moisture through and perfectly protect against freezing in winter. However, when this material is installed, a large number of seams that do not prevent the cold and require additional insulation.
• Glass wool. This material has many advantages. The disadvantages include the presence of the smallest particles of fiberglass, which irritate the skin of the hands during installation work. There is also a risk that the fragments will fall into the lungs or eyes of a person and a dog.
• Polyurethane foam is a modern insulation that is applied by spraying. He has no cons. It does not pose a health hazard, does not burn, is not subject to deformation and does not rot.

We build on our own

Many are wondering how to insulate a dog house for the winter with their own hands. After all, you want to make your pet a good home, where he will feel comfortable and safe. He will tell you in detail how to insulate a booth for a dog for the winter, instructions. Photos and drawings will show the whole process in detail.

The dog kennel is small in size, so gaps between materials should not be allowed. Even the smallest gap will nullify all your efforts. How to insulate a dog house for the winter so that gaps do not form?

The selected material is fixed on the roof and inner walls of the booth. The installation method varies. Felt is usually nailed. Styrofoam and foam plastic are screwed with screws or glued. The thermal insulation layer should be sheathed with plywood, OSB board or clapboard. The floor of the kennel is sprinkled with hay or sawdust. They should be kept dry. Such materials do not let the cold through. Periodically, they will have to be shaken up and changed. So that the entrance of the kennel, which is open, does not release heat, it can be closed with a special curtain. It should close the hole with a margin.

How to install a curtain for a booth

The main purpose of the curtain is to maintain the optimum temperature in the kennel in the winter. The material from which the curtain is made should protect the booth from drafts. For this purpose, the following are used:

• Tarpaulin. It is distinguished by density. In the manufacture of this material is covered with a special mixture that prevents fire. The main advantage of tarpaulin is its elasticity. Therefore, the tension of the curtain can be easily adjusted depending on the size of the entrance.
• Felt on an artificial basis perfectly retains heat. It can be easily cut. At the same time, the edges of this material do not crumble, so they do not need to be processed.

The curtain should completely close the entrance and not interfere with the dog getting in and out. The material must be labeled correctly. Determine the size you need and add allowances: 5 cm on the sides and 10 cm on the bottom. To prevent the dog from accidentally tearing off the curtain during sudden movements, it should be fixed to the top of the entrance with a wooden plank. The curtain is installed using self-tapping screws.

Insulation of the kennel with polyurethane foam

This material does not pose a danger to human and pet health, it is resistant to moisture. It is one of the best thermal insulators. Differs in affordable cost. It is attached to the inner surface of the booth. Usually flexible polyurethane foam is used. This is due to the openness of its structure and increased moisture absorption. Therefore, it is not used outside.

Polyurethane foam with a rigid structure is suitable for fastening from the outside of the kennel. In principle, this is the best solution when protecting a dog house from the cold. The material is non-toxic, since its basis is plastic. It can be purchased in both liquid and solid form. The liquid material is applied by spraying, while the solid material is in the form of slabs.

The plates are large and not suitable for insulation. We advise you to resort to the use of a liquid form, the main advantages of which include:

• filling all cracks and gaps;
• protection of the kennel from mold fungi and decay;
• ensuring isolation from noise;
• long service life (over 30 years).

Insulation of the booth with foam

As a rule, foam plastic is used to insulate a doghouse, the thickness of which is 50 mm. It is resistant to moisture. The material is attached to the walls and ceiling inside. All gaps formed can be filled with mounting foam from the outside and inside.

Mandatory sheathing of foam plastic should be carried out using plywood, OSB boards, and other materials. Otherwise, the sheets will crumble from the constant contact of the dog's body with the walls of the booth. In addition, the animal can scratch the material with teeth and claws.

Minus insulation through foam

In a hot period, such a booth will become a real steam room for a dog. After all, it is hermetically sealed and prevents the flow of fresh air.

A hinged lid saves the situation. This allows you to make a draft and somewhat improve the situation. But when designing a kennel, a removable insulation must be provided. Penoplex should be installed so that it can be removed during the hot period.

We use hay

How to insulate a dog house for the winter with hay? This is a rather old method. Outside, the kennel is upholstered with burlap, but not tightly, but so that it lies freely. Straw is placed in the resulting holes. The booth takes a round shape and becomes soft. Straw is also placed inside, in which the dog makes a nest.

Protecting the kennel from the cold with straw is undesirable, as fleas can start in it, causing inconvenience to the dog.

The main types of electric heaters

How to insulate a dog house for the winter with electricity? This can help:

• Panel based heaters. Metal structures are in a metal case. Their thickness is no more than 2 cm, which allows a compact arrangement in the booth. They are attached to the casing with self-tapping screws.
• Film based systems. This is a special thermal film that heats the booth with infrared radiation. It is installed under the lining of the kennel.

• If you decide to install an electric heater under dog house, then they must fill the floor with a solution. The screed is made on foam. The dog does not like to lie on concrete, so either lay a shield made of wood.
• When installing a heating film on the side walls, it should be covered with plywood.

Advantages of electric kennel heating

This type of insulation has many positive aspects:

• On frosty days, an electric heater will create optimal conditions for a four-legged friend.
• The kennel will be dry, which will prevent the appearance of molds.
• Humid air exhaled by the dog will not turn into condensate and will not settle as frost on the walls of the booth.
• The heater does not consume much electricity - only 100 W/m².

Cons of heating with electricity

Electric heaters also have their negative sides:

• The pet is always active. In case of poor protection of the electrical wire, the dog can gnaw through it and die.

• Don't forget about moisture. Film-based electric heaters are protected by a bitumen sticker. But if moisture constantly settles on their surface, then they are a danger to the life of the pet. If you insulate the booth with your own hands, then protect the device from moisture. Water gets into the booth from snow, which the dog brings on its paws and wool. Also, snow is blown by the wind if there is no curtain, or if it lets air through.

There is an alternative

For a long time, many cannot decide how and with what to insulate a dog house for the winter. Should you protect the kennel from the cold yourself at all? After all, such warming does not always guarantee optimal conditions for the pet and requires certain knowledge from the owner. In the cold season, it is better to keep the dog at home or buy a ready-made kennel for her, which is designed for very low temperatures.

Such booths have a well-thought-out design and are made using modern insulating materials. A kennel of this type will bring comfort to the dog on the coldest days.