Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if it's left open. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air entering the house. However the cat flap will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors that can be used for any kind of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved in various ways, but the material that the flap is made is the most important.
Doors with double or triple flaps provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught excluders that fit around the frame of the flap and help reduce drafts. You should be aware that these will not prevent cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door to let your cat flap installer in.
Fill in the area left by your cat flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home, as well as reducing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. It is important to note that if you decide to do this, it is crucial to measure the hole that your cat flap has made and select a filler material that is in line with the surrounding material.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door has a thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating that the aluminum frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air may still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this issue by adding what's known as draft excluders that are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. But, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you will need to ensure that your door will seal properly when it is shut, and that there are no gaps through which cold air can pass through.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to make sure your cat's flap remain shut against wind, however you should also take a look at the overall design and the materials used in the construction of a pet door. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can resist temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will prevent cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which is an energy-efficient option.
You should also look for a double-flap design that can stand up to heat and cold and high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap ones, but they can help you save money on energy costs over time. This is particularly important if reside in a region that experiences harsh winters and summers.
Check reviews before buying a cat flap that is cold-weather to see which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it has a durable flap and an easy-to install secure, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many customers have praised its ability to resist cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to prevent energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is designed with a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door closed even when your pet is inside the room. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when required.
A solid magnetic seal is essential for winter however, a great cat flap also needs to be able to withstand winds. You don't need your cat flap to be blown open by the wind during winter. This will allow cold air into your house and raise your heating costs. A good cat flap installers flap for cold weather will be sealed with a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour, and a lot of them are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps designed for cold temperatures available. This model is insulated both inside the frame and in the door to ensure maximum insulation. It also comes with an easy-to-close panel that can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss through conduction and keep your house warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an excellent choice 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 makes it impervious to harsh weather conditions and can be used in many wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it has a tunnel kit you can add to the door for additional protection during severe weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and avoid drafts, then look for a cat door that is insulated. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame constructed of aluminum which has less thermal 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 like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Many modern cat flap fitting doors, specifically designed for use in cold climates, have several insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has a dual flap system as well as an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly since it is constructed of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for both your pets and the environment.
Even the flap is insulated it is possible that cold air still flows through the gap between the door frame or window cat flap and the wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what is known as a draught excluder which is placed on the flap's exterior, but it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and close the door without difficulty so that they can get in and out as they wish.
The most effective option is to install a brand new door specifically designed for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door has an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense that helps to reduce the conductive heat by reducing amount of energy that is lost through the material. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, including temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but for a fraction of their price.