Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a challenge that many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house. However, a cat flap will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be made but the most important thing is the material the flap is constructed from.
Doors with triple or double flaps will provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to cover the frame and limit drafts. But, you must keep in mind that these won't stop cold air from entering the room if your cat is attempting to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Another alternative is to fill the area left behind by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering into your home and will reduce the noise produced by your cat when they use their pet door. If you do this, you should determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap created and select an appropriate filler to match the surrounding fabric.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door comes with a strong, insulated seal that reduces heat loss. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating that the aluminum frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened it creates a draft that means cold air can enter your home, even if the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce the risk of this by incorporating what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you are planning to use a cat flap for colder weather, ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps where let cold air in.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to make sure your cat's flap remain shut against wind, but you should also take a look at the overall construction and materials used in a pet door. The best doors for pets in cold weather are made of materials that are insulating. They will have thick PVC flaps, and a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option.
You should also look for a double-flap design that can resist both cold and heat, as well as high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they are a great investment that will help you save on energy costs in the long in the long run. This is important if you reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.
If you are considering buying a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to see which ones are the most well-reviewed and provide the best protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it comes with a sturdy flap that is easy to install and has a, tamper proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with many customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind, while providing the ability for their cats to move in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder temperatures, a cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to cutting down on energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is designed with an magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if required.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for winter, but a good cat flap also needs to be able to resist wind. You don't want your cat flap to be blown wide open by the wind in winter. This can let cold air into your house and increase your heating bill. A good cold-weather model will have a magnetic seal that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles an hour. Many of these models also have insulation to stop loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps for cold weather available. It is insulated inside the frame and in the door to ensure maximum 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 safe.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another great option. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. Read A lot more is joined using the latest technology in the automotive industry to make it tough and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for colder weather. It is made from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and metal steel, and welded together using laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather conditions and can be installed on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for additional protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, consider a cat door with insulation features. This could include the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material such as aluminum which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help to reduce energy loss and also prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door with these features.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors that are designed specifically for use in cold climates have a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that is able to stand up to harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also eco-friendly, because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air is able to be able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your existing window or wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce the draught by putting a draught excluder around the outside of a flap. However it is essential to keep in mind that your cat must be able to open and close the doors easily so that they can enter and exit as needed.
The most effective option is to install a new door that has been specifically designed for colder weather, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, more insulated flap that reduces conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It can also withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows, however at a fraction of the cost.