Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create an air draught when left open. This is a common issue experienced by cat owners.
A draught excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, but a cat flap that is insulated can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that are suitable for any type of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of the cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. There are a number of ways that insulation can be achieved but the most important thing is the material that the flap is made of.
Doors with double or triple flaps provide more insulation and block cold air from entering your home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to cover the frame and limit drafts. You should be aware that these products will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the area left by your cat's flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering into your home, and also reduce the sound generated by your cat using their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is crucial to measure the hole that your cat's flap has made and select fitting a cat flap filler material that matches the surrounding material.
An excellent choice for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick, insulated seal that reduces heat loss. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better insulation than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home if the flap is opened. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening that are brushes. However, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation, you must make sure that your door can seal tightly when shut, and that there aren't gaps through which cold air can get in.
You can help your cat flap installer door stay closed against the wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you should be aware of the overall structure of a pet-door and its materials. The best pet doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating. They will have thick PVC flaps, as well as a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from getting in and keep warm air out, which is an energy-efficient option.
It is also recommended to look for double glazing cat flap-flap designs that are able to be able to withstand heat and cold, as well as high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap models, but they can save you money on energy costs over time. This is especially important if you reside in a region that experiences severe winters and harsh summers.
If you are considering buying a winter cat flap read the reviews to see which ones are the most well-reviewed and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap that is easy to install and has a, tamper proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to resist cold and wind without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder weather, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is the key to reducing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is made with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Some models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out, if needed.
A great cat flap should be able to withstand the wind and be secured with a magnetic seal. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by wind in winter, because this will allow cold air into your home, which will increase your heating costs. A quality cold-weather model will come with an electronic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles an hour. Many models also have insulation to prevent loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps designed for cold weather available. The model is insulated in the door and frame to ensure maximum insulation. It is equipped with a Snap On closing panel that can be inserted into the door if the weather is not ideal to keep your pet safe.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another great option. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality as well as steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it resistant to harsh weather and can be installed in many wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency, and it also comes with a tunnel kit you can add to the door for more protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, look for a cat-friendly door that is insulated. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame constructed of aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models have brushes that reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. You can find doors that have these features by looking for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors that are made specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap system as well as an insulated framework that is able to stand up to harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also environmentally friendly, being made from an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap, you might find that cold air is able to pass through the gap between the door frame and your existing window or wall. This is because the flap itself produces draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder on the outside of the flap. However it is essential to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the doors without difficulty so that they can be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
An alternative that is more efficient is to put in a new door that has been specifically designed for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have an insulated, thicker back door with cat flap fitted that reduces the conductive heating. It is also able to withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but for a fraction of their cost.