Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it may create draft. This is a challenge that many cat flap bifold doors owners experience.
A draught-exclusion device can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house, but the cat flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a range of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors suitable for any kind of installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. There are many ways in which insulation can be achieved but the most important is the material that the flap is constructed from.
Doors with triple or double flaps provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from entering your home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to wrap around the frame and reduce drafts. However, you need to keep in mind that they will not prevent cold air from entering if your cat is using their door at the same time.
Fill in the space left by your cat's flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from getting into your home, and also reduce the noise produced by your cat using their pet door. If you do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap created and select an appropriate filler to match the surrounding fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an insulated, thick flap that is designed to minimize the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X better in insulating properties than the aluminum material used in the frames of other pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened, it creates a draft which means cold air can enter your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening which are essentially brushes. But, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation, you will need to ensure that the door will seal properly when it is shut and that there are no gaps that cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap remain shut against wind, but you should also take a look at the overall construction and materials employed in the construction of a pet door. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can resist temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keeps warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
Choose a model with double-flaps that are able to be able to withstand cold and heat and high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they are a great investment that will allow you to reduce your energy bills in the long run. This is especially important when you reside in a region that gets extreme summers or winters.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to see which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a well-loved choice due to its excellent insulation and a sturdy flap, in addition to an easy-to-install and safe from tampering. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different choice, with a lot of customers praising its ability to resist extreme cold and wind while still offering the ability for their cats to go in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to reduce energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation is designed with an magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if needed.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for winter however, a good cat flap also needs to be able to stand up to the wind. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be open by the winds in winter. This will allow cold air into your house and increase your heating bills. A good cat flap for cold weather will feature an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and many of these models are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps for cold weather available. This model is insulated in both the door and the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It comes with the Snap On closing panel which can be inserted into the door when weather is cold to keep your pet indoors.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet upvc door panel with cat flap made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to make it durable and strong for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for colder weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded with laser welding technology used in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to extreme weather conditions, and can be positioned on various wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency and it has tunnel kits that you can add to the door for additional protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door to keep your home warm and draft free you should choose one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame made from aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and reduce energy loss. You can find doors with these features by looking for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, come with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly, being made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated it is possible that cold air can still pass through the opening between the frame of your door or window and the wall. This is because the flap itself creates a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce the draught by putting a draught excluder around the outside of a flap. However, it is important to remember that your cat should be able open and close the doors easily to allow them to enter and exit as needed.
The most effective option is to put in a new door that is specifically designed for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have a thicker, insulated door that reduces the conductive heating. It can also endure extreme temperatures, such as temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but at a fraction of the price.
