Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create an air draught when left open. This is a common issue that cat owners face.
A draught excluder can to reduce cold air coming into the home, but the cat flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that are suitable for any kind 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 in. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be achieved however the most important thing 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 purchase draft excluders that fit around the frame of the flap and help reduce drafts. You should be aware that these products will not stop cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat.
Another option is to cover the space left by your cat's flap some form of insulation like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering into your home and reduce the noise produced by your cat using their pet door. If you decide to do this, you must take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap created and select a filler that matches the surrounding fabric.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for a high-quality cat flap. This door has an insulated, thick flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a durable magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000x more efficient at insulating than aluminum used in the frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened, it creates a draft that means cold air can get into your home even though the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening, which are brushes. If you are planning to make use of a cat flap in cold weather, ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any 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 structure and materials used in the pet door. The best cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can resist temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keeps warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option.
You should also consider a double-flap design that can be able to withstand heat and cold and high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap ones, but they can save you money on energy costs over time. This is important if you reside in a region that experiences severe winters and harsh summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to see which models have the best reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice because it provides excellent insulation and a sturdy flap, and an easy-to-install, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers praise its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder temperatures, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is essential to decreasing energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation comes with an magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when needed.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for colder weather, but a good cat flap also needs to be able to resist the wind. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be open by the wind during winter. This can let cold air in your home and raise your heating costs. A quality cold-weather model will have a magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles an hour. A lot of these models also have insulation to stop heat loss.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door as well as the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It includes an Snap On closing panel which you can put into the door if the weather is cold to keep your pet inside.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door made 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 welded together using the latest technology in the automotive industry to make it strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace quality aluminum alloy and steel, and welded together using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather conditions and can be used in a wide variety of wall materials. Repair My Windows And Doors UK provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door for additional protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, look for a cat door that has insulation features. This could be a dual flap system, or a frame that is thermally efficient made from a material like aluminum that is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that block drafts and reduce energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door that has these features.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors that are made specifically for cold climates have a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system and an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly, being made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap you may still find that cold air can be able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your existing window or wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is placed around the outside of the flap, but it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door easily to allow them to go into and out when they need to.
Installing an entirely new pet door, like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for colder weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet doors come with a thicker, insulated door that reduces the conductive heating. It is also able to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection can be similar to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.