The day that you get a new pup is one of the most exciting days of your life. You’ve already learned all the puppy training tips there are to know, and you’re ready to welcome your pup into your home. There’s nothing like those first few days of getting to know each other that bonds you for life.
Owning a dog is a lifelong commitment though. After the initial excitement and never wanting to be apart, there will come times when you and your pet will have to be separated for a time. Life must go on and you still need to go to work. When you have to leave your pup, it’s essential that they have a safe and protected place to hang out until you return.
One of the most important parts of your dog’s home is the roof that protects them from rain or sun. There are lots of dog kennel roof ideas out there. We are going to explore some of the different options for dog kennel roofs and learn which is the best choice for keeping your dog safe. That way, the next time you have to leave your pup for a few hours, you’ll know that your furry friend is safe and happy at home.
Importance of a Dog Kennel Roof
When you’re building or buying a dog kennel, the whole structure must be top-quality. The roof of the kennel is a key component of your kennel. The roof protects your pup in any weather and gives them a dry and comfortable place to rest.
You can find different dog kennel roof ideas around. Each is good for different reasons and purposes. The main concern with a dog kennel roof is that it fully protects your dog and drains rain and snow well. A kennel roof should be sloped so that water runs off of it easily. A sloped roof also helps to keep snow from accumulating on the roof of your kennel during the winter months.
Excess snow on the roof of your dog kennel can cause some serious damage to the building as a whole. Even though snow might look light and fluffy, it packs a surprising amount of weight. This excess weight on your kennel roof can cause your entire structure to sag and, in really bad situations, the roof can collapse.
If snow collects on the roof, it can cause leaks. This happens especially if the temperature fluctuates and snow thaws and then freezes. This cycle can cause water to seep through small gaps in the roofing and into the interior of your building. When you choose a roof for your kennel, make sure it has a proper slope so that your building stays structurally sound.
Flat Dog Kennel Roof Ideas
One dog kennel roof idea is a flat roof. This roof isn’t actually flat even though its name indicates that it is. If this roof would indeed be flat, drainage would be difficult and you would be left with a faulty roof. A flat dog kennel roof isn’t as sloped as a gable roof, but there is still some slope to it. This lets water run off the roof in the summer and helps keep snow from building up during the winter.
Flat dog kennel roofs are perfect for a small home for your dog. If you want to build a small shelter in your backyard where your dog can get out of the sun, this dog kennel roof idea will work well for you. Depending on the size that you want, you may be able to cover the entire roof space with one piece of roofing.
Gable Dog Kennel Roof Ideas
A gable dog kennel roof is definitely the type of roof that you will see most often on kennels. You’ll see this style of roof on all sizes and styles of kennels. This roof consists of two sloped sides that meet at a center ridge. A peaked roof like this adds protection against natural elements while adding an attractive aesthetic to the building. A gable roof also gives the interior of the kennel extra headroom. This will make the kennel interior feel more open and spacious.
A gable roof is the roof you should choose for your larger dog kennel. Your large dog kennel has a lot of roof area that will accumulate snow and rain. The steep slope of gable roofs in comparison to flat roofs makes them a better choice for a permanent kennel. You will also see gable roofs on the smallest dog houses. This style of roof is versatile and classic.
Plastic Dog Kennel Roof Cover
A popular option for housing dogs outside is a chain link kennel. Unfortunately, these kennels don’t always come with a roof to protect your pups from rain and run. These kennels make great temporary shelters for your dogs if you are gone for an hour or two during the day. There are lots of other more secure and comfortable kennels that you should consider if you are leaving your dog alone for more than a few hours.
If you choose to go with a chain link kennel, make sure you get one that has a roof. If the one you’ve picked out doesn’t have a roof with it, you can find dog kennel roofs sold separately that you can put on your dog kennel yourself. Some DIY dog kennel roof ideas let you combine the style of roof you want with the material of roof you want.
Your dog’s kennel roof should made of a high-quality material. Acrylic plastic is a good choice for your kennel roof. Acrylic plastic is transparent and is known for its strength and durability. While plastic isn’t the most durable material that you can use for a roof, for a more temporary and budget-friendly option it will work well.
Metal Dog Kennel Roof
Another dog kennel roof idea is one that’s made of metal. Because of the metal’s durability, it’s become a popular choice for all kinds of kennels. You’ll find these types of roofs on anything from a basic chain link kennel to deluxe commercial dog kennels. Metal is made to withstand the test of time which makes it the perfect choice for someone looking for a permanent kennel for their dog.
One major plus of a metal roof is its effectiveness in getting rid of rain and snow. Because metal has a slick finish, snow has a hard time sticking to it and generally falls off quickly. One problem that arises with a roof that is great at getting rid of snow is where that snow ends up. If snow falls off the roof at just the wrong time, it can result in someone getting injured or at least a little soggy. You’ll also have to deal with the pile-up of snow where it falls, but when compared to the potential alternative of a collapsed roof, this is a risk worth taking!
Shingle Dog Kennel Roof
Another popular dog kennel roof idea is using shingles to finish off the roof. Shingles are usually used on gable roofs or something with a steeper slope than a flat roof. The layered construction that shingles offer protects the kennel from rain, snow, and UV exposure. Shingle roofs provide excellent insulation which helps keep your dog’s home at a more consistent temperature.
Shingles come in a variety of colors and styles which makes them a great choice for someone who wants to make their dog’s home attractive. Shingles are also cheaper than some other dog kennel roof ideas.
Necessities for your Dog Kennel Roof
There are plenty of dog kennel roof ideas out there, and there’s not necessarily one that is the best option. Each option is great for different reasons. In the end, it comes down to what you are looking for. However, no matter what type of roof you choose, some features should be mandatory on all dog kennel roofs.
Quality Materials
When you choose a dog kennel roof, you should choose a top-quality material right off the bat. It might seem like a lot of money to part with for a roof, but you may as well invest in the best quality roof right away. If you choose low-quality materials instead, you’ll end up paying the difference in repairs and replacements. You also may pay the price of having an unhealthy and unhappy pup.
For a plastic roof, make sure that you’re buying from a reputable business that has loyal customers. Remember that acrylic plastic is a trustworthy type of plastic. Rather than settle for a tarp or a cheap piece of plastic, opt for a quality acrylic dog roof that’s specifically designed for the size and style of kennel that you have.
For a metal dog kennel roof, choose a metal that is designed to resist moisture and rust. The quality of a metal roof goes beyond just what it’s made of. The way it’s installed is just as important. Make sure you get a dependable person who knows what they’re doing to install your metal dog kennel roof.
Just because shingle roofs tend to be cheaper than metal roofs doesn’t mean that they are poor quality. Shingles are an excellent choice for your dog kennel, but you should find the best brand out there. The current #1 seller of 2023 is GAF Timberline HDZ shingles. GAF is a trusted shingle brand, so consider their products.
Proper Ventilation
Allowing proper airflow from your dog kennel roof helps keep a comfortable and healthy interior for your furry friends. The roof of your dog kennel helps greatly in keeping a consistent temperature in your kennel. Some add-ons will also help ventilate your dog’s kennel.
- Roof Vents
- Soffit Vents
- Gable Vents
- Ridge Vents
Insulation
Insulating the roof of your dog kennel is another way to help with climate control. Good insulation will help the interior of your kennel stay warm in cold seasons and cool in warm seasons. This is great for both you and your pets! Your pets are kept at a comfortable temperature and you save yourself money on heating and cooling. Insulation by itself will not provide all that is needed to keep the interior of the kennel at a good temperature. You will also need AC and heat.
Dog Kennels with Roofs
We covered (no pun intended) some different dog kennel roof ideas, so your brain should be spinning with ideas of how to finish your dog’s home. Do you want to invest in a deluxe dog kennel that already has a roof rather than have to add one yourself? You can find dog kennels with roofs that make fantastic homes for your pups. This saves you the trouble of trying to figure out how to frame a roof on top of a kennel. Plus, these kennels have indoor and outdoor spaces that are fully protected.
Residential Dog Kennels
If you’re looking for a dog kennel for one or two dogs, an outdoor dog kennel is a great choice. These kennels are a perfect size for your pet. They have an interior section where your pup can enjoy a comfortable environment. The exterior run gives dogs a chance to get outside and breathe in the fresh air. These kennels are outfitted with shingle roofs, but an upgrade to metal is available.
Commercial Dog Kennels
If you’re looking to start a business that revolves around dogs, check out our kennels for businesses. These commercial kennels for dogs are designed to give you a perfect space for starting up or expanding your dog care business. You can choose between three types of dog kennel roofs for these kennels. The standard roofing option is shingles, but you can choose regular metal or standing seam metal as an upgrade.
What Kind of Dog Kennel Roof Idea Will You Choose?
Now that you have some dog kennel roof ideas, which will you choose? Are you looking for a plastic kennel cover for your temporary shelter? Are you hoping to find a roofing contractor that can install a shingle roof for you? Are you looking to invest in a metal roof for your permanent kennel so that it will last you for years to come? Whatever you choose, make sure that the comfort and safety of your pet is your top priority! We’d love to connect with you if there is anything we can help you with! Contact us if you have questions. If you are interested in our deluxe dog kennels, get a catalog to find more information!
