Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap could cause a draught if left open. This is a problem many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, however the cat flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that can be used for any kind of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of the cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be achieved through a variety of ways but the material from which the flap is constructed is the most important.
A single flap will not make much difference in insulation for your home, but doors that come with triple or double flaps are far more insulated and will prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and reduce drafts. Be aware that these products will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
Another option is to fill in the space left by your cat's flap with some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will help to stop cold air from entering your home, as well as reducing the amount of noise generated when your cat uses their pet door. If you do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap created and select a filler that is compatible with the surrounding fabric.
A great option for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door has an insulated, thick flap that is designed to minimize the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a durable magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000 times more insulating that the aluminum frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's replacement upvc door panel with cat flap is opened, it creates a draft which means cold air can sneak into your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers try to minimize this issue 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 ensure that your door is sealed tightly when shut, and that there are no gaps that cold air can enter.
You can make sure that your cat's shut the door against winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of a pet-door and its materials. The most effective cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to stand up to temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
Find a model with double-flaps, which can withstand both heat and cold, as well high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap models, however they are a good investment that will help you save money on energy costs in the long term. This is important if you live somewhere that has severe winters and harsh summers.
If you are considering buying a cold weather cat flap look over the reviews to see which models are the best-reviewed and offer the most protection against the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a favorite because it offers great insulation and a durable flap, in addition to an easy-to-install, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent choice, with a lot of customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while providing the ability for their cats to move in and out easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a well closed cat flap is crucial to reduce energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is made with an magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if required.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a good cat flap must also be able to resist the wind. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by the wind in winter, because this will allow cold air to enter your home and increase your heating costs. A good cold-weather model will have magnetic seals that can withstand wind speeds that exceed 50 miles an hour. A lot of these models also have insulation to help prevent loss of heat.
One of the top cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in the frame and the upvc door panel with cat flap fitted to ensure maximum insulation. It also comes with an opening panel that snaps on so can be slid in when the weather is bad to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss through conduction and keep your home warm. Additionally, the frame is joined using technology from the automotive industry to make it strong and durable for cold-weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace quality aluminum alloy as well as steel, which is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and can be installed on a variety of wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for extra protection during severe weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat-friendly upvc door panels with cat flap with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame made of aluminum which has less thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help 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 item.
A lot of modern cat doors that are designed specifically for cold climates have an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features two flaps and an insulated frame that is able to withstand the harshest weather conditions, helping stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also green and is made of an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pet and the planet.
Even even if your cat flap is insulated, you may find that cold air still flows through the opening between the door frame or window and the wall. This is because the flap itself creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers try to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder around the outside of a flap. However, it is important to remember that your cat must be able open and close the doors easily so that they can enter and exit as needed.
Installing a new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet doors have an insulated, thicker door that blocks the heating that is conductive. It can also 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 price.
