Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you keep your cat's flap open, it can create draft. This is a common issue encountered by cat owners.
A draught excluder can help to reduce cold air coming into the house, but the cat flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of insulated cat flaps and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of a cat-door. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be achieved in many ways but the material that the flap is constructed is the most crucial.
Doors with triple or double flaps will provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught excluders that go around the frame of the flap and reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not prevent cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Another alternative is to fill the space left behind by your cat's flap some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will help to keep cold air out of your home, and also decreasing the amount of noise generated when your cat is using their pet door. If you do this, you need to take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap has created and choose a filler that is compatible with the surrounding fabric.
The RANGER pet entry door from Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent option for high-quality cat flap. The door is constructed with a thick, insulated flap that is designed to minimize the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better insulating than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of other pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened and closed, it creates draft which means cold air can get into your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening that are brushes. If you plan to make use of a cat flap in cold weather, ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps through which let cold air in.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to make sure your cat's flap keep its seal against wind, however you must also consider the overall structure and materials used in a 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 stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and stop cold air from getting inside.
Choose a model with double-flaps that are able to withstand both heat and cold, as well high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they're a wise investment that will allow you to reduce your energy bills in the long term. This is especially important if you reside in an area that has severe winters and harsh summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather to determine which models have the highest reviews and offer the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap that is easy to install and has a, tamper proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers praise its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to reduce energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation has a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if required.
A high-quality cat flap must be able to resist wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by wind in winter, because this could allow cold air to enter your home and increase your heating costs. A good cat flap for cold weather will be sealed with an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a majority of these models are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
One of the top cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside the frame and in the door to provide maximum insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide into 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 with thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is joined using the latest technology in the automotive industry to make it tough and durable for cold-weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option 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 resistant 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 also comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for more protection in 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 constructed from a material like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that prevent drafts and reduce energy loss. You can find doors with these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
Many modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for use in cold climates, have several insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system as well as an insulated framework that can endure extreme weather conditions and block drafts. upvc door panels cat flap is also green and is made of an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even the flap is insulated however, cold air can still flow through the gap between the frame of the door or window and the existing wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers try to minimize this by putting a draught-exclusion device on the outside of the flap. However, it is important to remember that your cat should be able to open and shut the doors without difficulty so that they can move in and out as needed.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a new door specifically designed for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors feature an insulated, thicker door that blocks the heating that is conductive. It also has the ability to withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but at a fraction of the cost.