Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it may create a draft. This is a common problem that cat owners face.
A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the home, however the cat flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that can be used for any installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of the cat door is its insulation. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be created but the most important is the material the flap is made of.
Doors with triple or double flaps offer more insulation and block cold air from entering your home. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and help reduce drafts. Be aware that these products will not prevent cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the space left by your cat's flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will block cold air from getting into your home and will reduce the noise produced by your cat using their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital to measure the hole your cat flaps for french doors's flap has created and choose a filler material that matches the surrounding material.
The RANGER pet entry by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for high-quality cat flap. The door features a thick, insulated flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a durable magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid 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, it creates a draft which means cold air can sneak into your home even when the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening which are essentially brushes. But, if you're seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation, you must ensure that the door is sealed tightly when it is shut and that there are no gaps that cold air can get in.
A solid magnetic seal is a method to ensure that your cat's flap keep its seal against wind, but you should also look at the overall structure and materials used in the pet door. The best cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that is able to resist temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and block cold air from getting in.
You should also consider a double-flap design that can be able to withstand heat and cold, as well as high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap models but they will save you money on energy costs over time. This is especially important if you live in an area that experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
If you're thinking of buying a cold weather cat flap read the reviews to see which models are the best-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 that is easy to install and has a secure, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with many customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind, while still allowing their cats to move in and out easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder weather, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is crucial to decreasing energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation comes with an magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if necessary.
A strong magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather however, a good cat flap step flap also needs to be able to withstand winds. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by winds in winter, since this could allow cold air into your home and increase your heating costs. A good cold-weather cat flap will have a strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a lot of them are also insulated to reduce heat loss through the upvc door panel with cat flap fitted.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps designed for cold weather available. This model is insulated both in the frame and the door to ensure maximum insulation. It includes the Snap On closing panel which you can slide into the door when weather is cold to keep your pet indoors.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic alternative. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. In addition, the frame is joined with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it tough and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for colder weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automobile industry. Its design makes it resistant to extreme weather conditions and can be used in many wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for extra protection during extreme 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 lower thermal conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models also feature brushes that stop drafts and reduce the loss of energy. You can find doors that have these features by looking for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
Many modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for use in cold climates, come with several insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, assisting to prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly as it is made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the environment.
Even if you've chosen an insulated cat flap you might still notice that cold air can pass through the gap between the door frame and your window or wall. This is because the flap itself produces an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what is known as a draught excluder which is placed around the flap's outside however, it is crucial to remember that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease so that they can go in and out as they wish.
An alternative that is more efficient is to put in a new door specifically designed for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have an insulated, thicker door that blocks the conductive heating. It is also able to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, however at a fraction of the price.