The Magnador two-way pet door and MagnaFlap are built to last, giving your dog the freedom to come and go as they please while keeping your home sealed from the elements. These doors create a tight seal to keep the air conditioning in and the weather out, all while giving your pet the independence they love.
But like any product that faces daily use and exposure to the elements, a little maintenance goes a long way. Weather, wear and tear, and even your pet's occasional boredom biting can eventually lead to parts that need attention.
The good news? We stock all the replacement parts you need—flaps, frames, and hardware—so you can keep using your Magnador year after year. And with these three simple maintenance tricks, you can significantly extend the life of your pet door.
Tip 1: Add a Door Bumper for High-Energy Dogs
If you have an enthusiastic dog who comes barreling through the door at full speed (we're looking at you, Labrador owners), those high-impact swings can take a toll on both the door and the frame over time.
Here's a simple, inexpensive fix that makes a big difference:
What you need: 2-3 small pieces of adhesive-backed rubber gasket material. You can find this in the weatherstripping section of any home improvement store—it's the same material used for sealing around windows and doors.
Where to install: Place the rubber gasket material on the bottom of the rain shield and on the inside frame of the door.
Why it works: When your dog swings the door completely open, the rubber gasket acts as a bumper to soften the impact. This protects both the door panel and the frame from damage, significantly extending the life of your Magnador.
This is especially important for large, energetic breeds that don't exactly take their time going in and out. A few dollars worth of rubber gasket material can prevent hundreds of dollars in door replacement costs.
Tip 2: Fix That Clicking Sound (Check Your Locking Knobs)
Does your Magnador make a clicking or scraping sound when your dog goes through? This is one of the most common issues we see, and it's almost always caused by the same thing: improperly retracted locking knobs.
The problem: Your Magnador has two locking knobs that, when extended, lock the door in place. When fully retracted, these knobs should be completely out of the way, allowing the door to swing freely. If they're not fully retracted—even just slightly extended—the door can catch on them as it swings.
What happens: This creates resistance every time your dog uses the door. Over time, especially with strong dogs making numerous trips, this catching and resistance will cause premature door failure.
The fix: Verify that both locking knobs are fully retracted. If you hear clicking or scraping, this is the first thing to check. It's a simple adjustment that takes seconds but prevents significant damage down the road.
Pro tip: Make it a habit to check your locking knobs periodically, especially if you've recently locked the door and then unlocked it. It's easy to not quite retract them all the way, and that small oversight can cause big problems over time.
Tip 3: Prevent Magnet Rust With a Moisture Seal
The magnets in your Magnador are what create that secure seal when the door closes, keeping drafts and weather out of your home. But magnets and moisture don't mix well—over time, moisture can cause rust, which weakens the magnetic seal and shortens the magnet's lifespan.
Here's a quick trick to prevent this:
What you need: A small amount of silicone caulk (the kind used for bathrooms and kitchens works perfectly).
How to apply: Spread a thin layer of silicone caulk along the top of the magnet. Use your finger to smooth it out, working it into and around the magnet.
Why it works: The silicone caulk creates a moisture seal that prevents water from getting into the magnet. This simple barrier dramatically extends the life of your magnets by preventing rust before it starts.
When to do this: This is a great preventive measure to take when you first install your Magnador, or anytime you're doing routine maintenance. It takes just a couple of minutes and can add years to your magnet's life.
Replacement Parts Are Always Available
Even with the best maintenance, parts eventually wear out—and that's completely normal. The beauty of the Magnador system is that you don't have to replace the entire door when one component wears out.
We stock all the replacement parts you need:
- Replacement flaps
- Door frames
- Locking mechanisms
- Magnets
- Hardware and mounting components
Whether you need a new flap because your dog decided it looked chewable, or you want to replace magnets that have served faithfully for years, we've got you covered. Our replacement parts are designed to fit perfectly and restore your Magnador to like-new condition.
Easy Installation, Long-Lasting Performance
One of the reasons Magnador doors have been trusted for nearly 50 years is their combination of easy installation and durable performance. These maintenance tips simply help you get the most out of that durability.
The few minutes you spend adding a door bumper, checking your locking knobs, and sealing your magnets can literally add years to your door's lifespan. And when you do eventually need parts, we're here with everything you need to keep your Magnador working perfectly.
Questions About Your Magnador?
Have questions about maintenance, need replacement parts, or wondering if something you're experiencing is normal? We're always happy to help. Reach out to us and we'll make sure your Magnador keeps giving your pet the freedom they love for years to come.
About Lakeside Products
Lakeside Products has been manufacturing quality pet products in Polk City, Iowa for nearly 50 years. Our Magnador two-way pet door was our first product and remains a customer favorite for its durability, ease of installation, and reliable performance. All replacement parts are available directly from us, ensuring perfect fit and quality.
Location: Lakeside Products, Polk City, Iowa
Related Topics: Magnador pet door maintenance, pet door repair, dog door parts, Magnador replacement parts, pet door troubleshooting, extending pet door life
Products: Magnador two-way pet door, MagnaFlap, Magnador replacement parts, pet door flaps, pet door frames