Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the home, but a cat flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that can be used for any installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of the cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be accomplished in many ways, but the material that the flap is made is the most important.
Doors with triple or double flaps will provide more insulation and block cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draft excluders that go around the frame of the cat flap and help to reduce drafts. You should be aware that these products will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the gap left by your cat's flap with insulation like styrofoam. This will help to stop cold air from entering your home, while also decreasing the amount of noise generated when your cat is using their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital to measure the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose 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 by Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick, insulated seal that reduces heat loss. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating than the aluminum used in the frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened it creates a draft that means cold air can sneak into your home even when the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening which are essentially brushes. If cat flap cost are planning 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 that let cold air in.
cat flap cover for winter is one way to make sure your cat's flap keep its seal against wind, but you must also consider the overall structure and materials that are used in the pet door. The best doors for pets in cold weather will be made of materials that are insulation. These include thick PVC flaps, and frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which is an enormous energy saver.
Look for a design with double-flaps that 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 help you save money on energy costs in the long term. This is especially important when you reside in a region which experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather to see which models have the highest reviews 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 and a simple to install and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with numerous customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while providing the ability for their cats to enter and exit without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to minimize energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation comes with the magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door shut, even when your pet is in the door. Some models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if you need to.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in colder weather however, a great cat flap also needs to be able to stand up to winds. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be blown wide open by the wind during winter. This will allow cold air in your home and increase your heating bills. A good cold-weather model has an electronic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles an hour. Many of these models also come with insulation to help prevent heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for colder weather available. It is insulated in both the door and frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets indoors.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using 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 constructed of aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and steel, which is welded with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to harsh weather conditions and is able to be installed on various wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency, and it also comes with a tunnel kit you can add to the door for more protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and avoid drafts, then look for a cat door that is insulated. This could be dual flaps, or a thermally efficient frame made from a material such as aluminum which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. You can locate doors with these features by searching for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
A lot of modern cat doors that are designed specifically for cold climates have an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap design and an insulated frame that can stand up to harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also green and is made of an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if you've chosen an insulated cat flap you might find that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the frame of your door and your existing wall or window. This is because the flap itself causes draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's known as a draught excluder which is placed on the outside of the flap however it is important to remember 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.
A more effective solution is to put in a new door that has been specifically designed for colder weather, like the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors feature an extra thick, insulated door that cuts down on the conductive heating. It also has the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, including 40 degrees Celsius. cat flap step of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, however for a fraction of their cost.