Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap could cause a draught if it's left open. This is a common issue that cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house. However an animal flap offers greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors that can be used for any type of installation including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important features of the cat-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved through many ways however the material that the flap is constructed is the most important.
A single flap won't accomplish much in terms of insulation, but doors that come with dual or triple flaps are more efficient in insulation and stop cold air from entering the home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to cover the frame to reduce drafts. You should be aware that they will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Another option is to fill in the space left by your cat flap with some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This can help 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 choose to do this, you should take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap made and select a filler that matches the fabric.
A great option for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door comes with a strong, insulated seal that reduces the loss of heat. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000 times more insulating that the aluminum frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened and closed, it creates draft which means cold air can get into your home even when the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening, which 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.
You can help your cat keep the door shut against winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. But, you should take into consideration the overall design of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best pet doors for cold weather will be made of materials that are insulate. They include thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which is an enormous energy saver.
Find a model with double-flaps, which can be able to withstand cold and heat and high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap versions, but they can save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly true for those who reside in a region that gets extreme summers or winters.
Check reviews before buying a cat flap for cold weather to see which models have the best reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it has a durable flap and a simple to install, tamper proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent option, with numerous customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while still allowing their cats to move in and out easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to prevent energy loss. The best cat flap insulation features an opening with a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door shut, even when your pet is inside the room. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when needed.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for colder weather however, a good cat flap must also be able to resist wind. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by winds in winter, since it will let cold air into 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 of up to 50 miles per hour, and a lot of them 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. It is insulated in both the door and the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It includes the Snap On closing panel that can be inserted into the door when the weather is not ideal to keep your pet safe.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. Suggested Looking at is also welded with automotive technology to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another great option for those who live in colder weather. It is made from aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and metal steel, which is welded by using laser welding technology, which is used in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather, and it can be installed on a variety of 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 additional protection in extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that will keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should look for one with insulation features. This could include dual flaps, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material such as aluminum which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that prevent drafts and aid in reducing energy loss. You can locate doors with these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed for use in cold climates, come with a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system as well as an insulated framework that is able to endure harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also green as it is made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air is able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your window or wall. This is because the flap itself causes an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is placed on the flap's exterior, but it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease to allow them to go into and out when they need to.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a brand new door that has been specifically designed for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense that helps to reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It also has the ability to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, however for a fraction of their cost.