Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a common problem that cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the home. However, a cat flap can provide better protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps insulated and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of the cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be achieved in many ways however the material that the flap is made is the most crucial.
Doors with double or triple flaps provide better insulation and stop cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught excluders that go around the frame of the cat flap and help to reduce drafts. However, it is important to bear in mind that these will not stop the cold air from getting in when your cat is attempting to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Fill in the gap left by your cat's flap with insulation like styrofoam. This will keep cold air out of your home, and also reducing the amount of noise generated when your cat is using their pet door. If you choose to do this, you should measure the hole your cat flap made and select an appropriate filler to match the surrounding fabric.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for an excellent cat flap. This door comes with a strong and insulated seal, which reduces the loss of heat. It also has a strong magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000 times more in insulating properties than the aluminum material used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened and closed, it creates draft that means cold air can sneak into your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this issue by adding what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. However, if you are looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation you must ensure that the door will seal properly when shut and that there aren't gaps through which cold air can enter.
You can help your cat keep the door shut against winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. However, you should take into consideration the overall design of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to endure temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This keeps warm air out and stop cold air from getting in.
Find a model with double-flaps, which can be able to withstand cold and heat and high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap versions but they will save you money on energy costs over time. This is particularly important if reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.
If you're thinking of buying a cold weather cat flap look over the reviews to determine which models are the best-reviewed and provide the best protection against the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and an easy-to install and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent choice, with a lot of customers praising its ability to resist extreme cold and wind, while still allowing their cats to enter and exit easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to prevent energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with an magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if required.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for colder weather however, a good cat flap should also be able to stand up to the wind. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as it will let cold air to enter your home and increase the cost of heating. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will feature a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour and a majority of these models are also insulated to reduce heat loss through the door.
One of the most effective cat flaps for cold weather 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 also comes with an opening panel that snaps on so can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets inside.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. This door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is joined using the latest technology in the automotive industry to make it strong and durable for cold-weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another great choice for cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal and is welded with laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automobile industry. Its design is impervious to extreme weather conditions, and can be installed on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency, and it also comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for extra protection during severe weather.
The Design
When you are choosing a cat door to keep your home warm and draft free you should look for one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame made of aluminum which has less thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that stop drafts and help to reduce energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door that has these features.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with several insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has two flaps and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, assisting to prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly as it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for both your pets and the environment.
Even even if your cat flap is well-insulated, you may find that cold air can still pass through the gap created between the frame of your door or window and the existing 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 positioned around the outside of the flap however it is important to remember that your cat will need to be capable of opening and closing the door without difficulty to allow them to go into and out when they need to.
Installing a new pet door like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet door has a thicker, insulated flap that reduces heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It is also able to withstand extreme temperatures, including 40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but for a fraction of their cost.