Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap could cause an air draught when left open. This is a frequent issue experienced by cat owners.
A draught-exclusion device can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house, but the cat flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that can be used for any type of installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of the cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. There are a variety of ways in which insulation can be made, but the most important thing is the material that the flap is made of.
Doors with triple or double flaps provide more insulation and block cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught-excluders to wrap around the frame and limit drafts. However, it is important to be aware that these won't stop the cold air from getting in when your cat is using their door at the same simultaneously.
Another option is to fill in the space left by your cat flap with some form of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will block cold air from entering your home and reduce the noise produced by your cat flap step when they use their pet door. It is important to note that if you choose to do this, it is crucial to measure the hole your cat's flap has created and choose a filler material that is in line with the material surrounding it.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door has a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes the loss of heat. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better insulating than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home when the flap is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what are known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. However, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to make sure that your door can seal tightly when it is shut, and that there aren't gaps where cold air can pass through.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to help your cat flap keep its seal against the wind, but you should also take a look at the overall construction and materials that are used in the pet door. The best doors for pets in cold weather will be made of materials that are insulate. They include thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from getting in and keep warm air out, which can be an enormous energy saver.
You should also consider a double-flap design that can resist both cold and heat, as well as high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap models, but they can help you save money on energy costs over time. This is particularly important if reside in a region that experiences severe winters and harsh summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to see which models have the most favorable reviews and offer the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet upvc door panel cat flap is popular due to its durable flap and a simple to install secure, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with numerous customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while providing the ability for their cats to enter and exit easily.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold weather, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is essential to decreasing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is designed with a magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door shut, even when your pet is in the door. Additionally, certain models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if you need to.
A great cat flap should be able to resist wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as this will allow cold air to enter your home, which will increase your heating costs. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will have an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a majority of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door as well as the frame to give the best amount of insulation. It is equipped with an Snap On closing panel which you can put into the door when weather is cold to keep your pet safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded with laser welding technology used in the automobile industry. Its design makes it impervious to extreme weather conditions and can be used in many wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency, and it has tunnel kits that you can add to the door for extra protection during severe weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and avoid drafts, then look for a cat flap install door that is insulated. This could be dual flaps, or a thermally efficient frame made from a material like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help to reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. You can find doors that have these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Many modern cat doors, specifically designed to be used in cold climates, come with several 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 endure harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also eco-friendly as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even the flap is insulated, you may find that cold air can still pass through the opening between the frame of the door or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself causes a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by putting a draught-exclusion device around the outside of a flap. However it is crucial to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and close the doors without difficulty to allow them to move in and out as needed.
The most effective option is to install a new door that is specifically made for cold weather, like the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have an extra thick, insulated door that blocks the heating that is conductive. It also has the ability to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but for a fraction of their price.
