Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it could create a draft. This is a challenge that many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught excluder can help cut down the amount of cold air that is able to enter the home. However the cat flap can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of insulated cat flaps and dog doors with cat flap suitable for any type of installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are many ways that insulation can be achieved however the most important is the material the flap is made from.
Doors with double or triple flaps provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught-excluders to cover the frame and limit drafts. However, it is important to bear in mind that these will not stop cold air from entering the room if your cat is using their door at the same at the same time.
Another alternative is to fill the area left behind by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This can help prevent cold air from entering your home, as well as making it less noisy generated when your cat opens their pet door. If you decide to do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap created and select a filler that matches the fabric.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent option for an excellent cat flap. This door comes with a strong and insulated seal, which reduces heat loss. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000X more insulating than the aluminum used in the frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened it creates a draft, which means that cold air can enter your home, even if the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening, which are brushes. But, if you're seeking a 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 that cold air can get in.
You can help your cat shut the door against winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. However, you should take into consideration the overall design of a pet-door and its materials. The best doors for cold weather will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a frame that is able to endure temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will keep warm air out and stop cold air from getting in.
Find a model with double-flaps, which can stand up to cold and hot, as well high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap models, but they are a great investment that can help you save on energy costs in the long term. This is especially important when you live in an area which experiences harsh winters or summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather 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 Door is popular due to its durable flap and an easy-to install secure, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers have praised its ability to resist the elements of wind and cold without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to prevent energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is made with an magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside it. In addition, some models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if you need to.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for colder weather, but a good cat flap should also be able to resist winds. You don't need your cat flap to be blown wide open by the wind during winter. This can let cold air into your house and increase your heating bills. A good cat flap for cold weather will have a strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and many of these models are also insulated to reduce heat loss through the door.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps for colder weather available. It is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It also comes with an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets inside.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to minimize the loss of heat through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a great choice for cold weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded using laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automobile industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather conditions and can be incorporated into many wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the door for additional protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When you are choosing a cat door that can keep your home warm and draft free it is recommended to choose a door with insulation features. This could be a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame made from a material such as aluminum which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help to reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door equipped with these features.
Many modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with 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 a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pets and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated however, cold air can still flow through the gap between the frame of your door or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself causes draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by providing what is called a draught-exclusion device that is placed on the outside of the flap however, it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat will need to be able to open and close the door with ease so that they can go into and out when they need to.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a new door that is specifically designed for colder conditions, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, insulated flap that helps to reduce conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. 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, however at a fraction of the cost.