Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause an air draught when left open. This is a problem that many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught-exclusion device can help minimise cold air entering the home, however an animal flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that work for any type of installation including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of the cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. There are many ways in which insulation can be achieved however the most important thing is the material the flap is made from.
A single flap will not accomplish much in terms of insulation, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are much more insulated and stop cold air from entering the home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to go around the frame and limit drafts. However, it is important to be aware that these won't stop cold air from entering when your cat is attempting to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Another option is to cover the space left by your cat flap with some form of insulation like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, while also making it less noisy that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is crucial to measure the hole that your cat's flap has created and select the filler material that is compatible with the material surrounding it.
The RANGER pet entry by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for a high-quality cat flap. The door is constructed with an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit conductive heat loss. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000X more efficient at insulating than aluminum used in the frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened it creates a draft that means cold air can get into your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers try to minimize this problem by adding what is known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you want to use a cat flap for cold weather, you should ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps where cold air can enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to make sure your cat's flap stay shut against wind, however you should also look at the overall design and the materials employed in the pet door. The best doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps and a frame that can resist temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from entering and keeps warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
Choose a model with double-flaps, which can be able to withstand cold and heat, as well high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap models however they can help you save money on energy costs over time. This is particularly important when you live in an area that experiences harsh winters or summers.
If you're thinking of buying a winter cat flap read the reviews to see which ones are the most well-reviewed and offer the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its 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 commenting on its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while still offering the ability for their cats to enter and exit without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to prevent energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed even 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 good cat flap must be able to resist the wind and be secured with a magnetic seal. You don't want your cat flap to be blown wide open by the winds in winter. This will let cold air into your house and raise your heating costs. A good cat flap for cold weather will have a strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour, and many of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated both in the door and frame to provide the highest level of insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets indoors.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your house warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it durable and strong for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a great choice for cold weather. It is constructed of aerospace quality aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather, and it is able to be installed on various wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door to provide extra protection against extreme weather.
cat flap fitters
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat-friendly door that is insulated. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame made of aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or Plastic. Certain models also have brushes that block drafts and reduce energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door with these features.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors designed specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that can withstand extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly, because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for both your pets and planet.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap, you may still find that cold air can traverse the gap between the frame of your door and your existing wall or window. This is because the flap itself creates a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by providing what is known as a draught excluder which is placed on the flap's outside however, it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease so that they can go into and out when they need to.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a brand new door specifically made for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have an extra thick, insulated door that reduces conductive heating. It is also able to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at a fraction of the cost.