Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you keep your cat's flap open, it may create draft. This is a common issue encountered by cat owners.
A draught excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, however a cat flap with insulation will provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for all types of installations, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of the cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be achieved, but the most important is the material the flap is made of.
A single flap won't do much in terms of insulation However, doors with triple or double flaps are far more insulated and will prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also buy draught excluders that go around the frame of the flap and help to reduce drafts. Be aware that these 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 behind by your cat's flap some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home, while also reducing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat uses their pet door. It is important to note that if you choose to do this, it is crucial to gauge the hole that your cat flap has created and select a filler material that is in line with the surrounding material.
An excellent 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 reduce the loss of heat through conductive channels. 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 that the aluminum used in the frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home if the flap is open. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening which are essentially brushes. If you want to use a cat flap for cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps through which let cold air in.
A solid magnetic seal is a method to ensure that your cat's flap keep its seal against wind, however you should also look at the overall construction and materials that are used in a pet door. The best pet doors for cold weather will be made of materials that are insulating. They include thick PVC flaps, and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and block cold air from entering.
Look for a design with double-flaps, which can stand up to cold and hot and also high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, however they are a great investment that will allow you to save on energy costs in the long in the long run. This is particularly important if you reside in a region which experiences harsh winters or summers.
If you're considering purchasing a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to see which models have the highest ratings and offer the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it comes with a sturdy flap and a simple to install secure, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers have praised its ability to withstand cold and wind without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a well sealed cat flap is essential to reduce energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation features an opening with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside it. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if required.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather however, a great cat flap also needs to be able to withstand winds. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by wind during winter, as this could allow cold air into your home and increase the cost of heating. A good model for cold weather will come with a magnetic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles an hour. A majority models also have insulation to prevent loss of heat.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated both in the frame and the door to provide maximum insulation. It comes with the Snap On closing panel that you can slide into the door when the weather is not ideal to keep your pet indoors.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. back door with cat flap fitted RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to help reduce heat loss through conduction and keep your home warm. Additionally, the frame is welded using technology from the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another great choice for cold weather. It is constructed of aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather conditions and can be installed in various wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it also comes with a tunnel kit you can add to the door for extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that can keep your home warm and draft free you should choose one with insulation features. This could be dual flaps, or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a material such as aluminum which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door that has these features.
Many of the modern cat doors that are made specifically for cold climates come with a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, assisting to keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly, as it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for both your pet and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air can be able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your window or wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is positioned around the outside of the flap however, it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat will need to be capable of opening and closing the door easily so that they can get into and out when they need to.
A more effective solution is to install a new door that is specifically made for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors come with an insulated, thicker door that cuts down on the heating that is conductive. It can also stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but for a fraction of their cost.