Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat flap open, it may create draft. cat flap installers is a common issue encountered by cat owners.
A draught-exclusion device can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, however a cat flap that is insulated will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps insulated and dog doors suitable for any kind of installation including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important characteristics of a cat-door. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be accomplished in many ways but the material from which the flap is made is the most crucial.
A single flap will not accomplish much in terms of insulation for your home, but doors that come with dual or triple flaps are far more insulated and will prevent cold air from getting into the house. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to cover the frame and limit drafts. But, you must be aware that these will not stop the cold air from entering if your cat is using their door at the same at the same time.
Another alternative is to fill the area left behind by your cat flap with some form of insulation like styrofoam. This will block cold air from entering into your home, and also reduce the sound generated by your cat when they use their pet door. If you decide to do this, you must determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap made and select a filler that matches the fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door features a thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit conductive heat loss. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to prevent 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 used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
If a cat flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home when the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. But, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to ensure that your door can seal tightly when closed and that there aren't gaps that cold air can pass through.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap remain shut against wind, but you should also look at the overall construction and materials used in a pet door. The best cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can stand up to temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and block cold air from getting in.
You should also look for double-flap designs that are able to stand up to heat and cold, as well as high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap designs, but they're a wise investment that will help you reduce your energy bills in the long run. This is important if you live somewhere that has severe winters and harsh summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to see which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and an easy-to install, tamper proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great choice, with a lot of customers praising its ability to resist extreme cold and wind while still offering the ability for their cats to move in and out without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a well shut cat flap is vital to prevent energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with a magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door closed when your pet is inside. In addition, some models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
A great cat flap should be able to withstand the wind and be secured with a magnetic seal. You don't want your cat flap to be blown open by the winds in winter. This will allow cold air in to your home and increase your heating bills. A good model for cold weather will have magnetic seals that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles an hour. Many models also come with insulation to stop heat loss.
One of the top cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated in both the door and the frame to give the best amount of insulation. It includes the Snap On closing panel which can be inserted into the door if the weather is bad in order to keep your pet indoors.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to make it strong and durable for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace quality aluminum alloy and steel, and welded together using laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it resistant to extreme weather conditions and can be incorporated into a wide variety of 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 extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When you are choosing a cat door that will keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should look for one with insulation features. This could include the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material like aluminum that is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help to reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. You can locate doors with these features by searching for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
A lot of modern cat doors that are designed specifically for use in cold climates have an array 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 withstand harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also eco-friendly, because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even the flap is well-insulated however, cold air can still flow through the opening between the door frame or window and the wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by providing what is known as a draught excluder which is positioned around the flap's outside however it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and close the door with ease so that they can go into and out when they need to.
Installing a new pet door such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER, that is designed specifically for colder weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet doors feature an insulated, thicker door that blocks the heating that is conductive. It can also be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows, however at a fraction of the price.