Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat flap open, it may create a draft. This is a problem that many cat owners experience.
A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the house, but the cat flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that work for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of the cat door is its insulation. This is what keeps 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.
Doors with triple or double flaps offer more insulation and block cold air from getting into your home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to cover the frame and reduce drafts. However, you need to be aware that these won't stop the cold air from entering when your cat flap install is trying to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Another alternative is to fill the space left by your cat flap with some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This can help stop cold air from entering your home, as well as reducing the amount of noise generated when your cat uses their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is crucial to gauge the hole that your cat's flap has made and select a filler material that matches the surrounding material.
A great option for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door comes with a strong and insulated seal, which reduces heat loss. It also has a durable magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000 times more insulation than the aluminum used in the frames of other pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened, it creates a draft which means cold air can sneak into your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what's known as draft excluders which are essentially brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. But, if you're seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation, you will need to ensure that the door is sealed tightly when closed, and that there aren't gaps where cold air can enter.
It is possible to help your cat's keep the door shut against wind by using a durable magnetic seal. But, you should also consider the overall construction of a pet-door and its materials. The most effective cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating. This includes 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 stop cold air from getting in.
Choose a model with double-flaps, which can be able to withstand cold and heat, as well high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap models, however they are a great investment that will help you save money on energy costs in the long run. This is especially important when you live in an area that experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
If you're thinking of buying a cat flap that is cold weather read the reviews to determine which models are the best-reviewed and offer the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a popular choice because it provides excellent insulation and a durable flap, in addition to an easy-to-install, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers have praised its ability to resist cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to reduce energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is designed with a magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for colder weather however, a great cat flap must also be able to resist wind. 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 cold-weather model will have magnetic seals that can withstand wind speeds that exceed 50 miles an hour. A lot models also have insulation to stop heat loss.
The Security Boss pet replacement upvc door panel with cat flap is one of the top cat flaps for cold weather on the market. This model is insulated both in the frame and the door to ensure maximum insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide into when the weather is bad to keep your pets inside.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it durable and strong for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option for cold weather. It is constructed from aerospace quality aluminum alloy as well as steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it impervious to harsh weather conditions and can be installed in a wide variety of wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the door to provide extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that can keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should look for one with insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help to reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door with these features.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for use in cold climates, come with a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with two flaps and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping to keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for both your pets and the environment.
Even the flap is insulated, you may find that cold air still flows through the opening between the door frame or window and the existing wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder around the outside of a flap. However it is crucial to remember that your cat must be able to open and close the doors quickly so that they can move in and out as needed.
A more effective solution is to install a new door specifically designed for cold weather, like the RANGER pet composite door cat flap by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, more insulated flap which helps reduce conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It can also be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows, but for a fraction of their cost.