Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap could cause a draught if it's left open. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house. However the cat flap will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps insulated and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects of the cat door is its insulation. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved in many ways however the material that the flap is made is the most crucial.
A single flap will not do much in terms of insulation However, doors with triple or dual flaps are far more insulated and will prevent cold air from getting into the house. You can also buy draught excluders that go around the frame of the flap and reduce drafts. But, you must bear in mind that these will not stop the cold air from getting in when your cat is trying to use their door at the same at the same time.
Another option is to cover the space left behind by your cat's flap some form of insulation such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering into your home, and also reduce the sound generated by your cat using their pet door. If you decide to do this, you should take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap has created and choose a filler that is compatible with the surrounding fabric.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent option for a high-quality cat flap. This door features a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes the loss of heat. It also has a durable magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000x more efficient at insulating than aluminum frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air can still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening, which are brushes. However, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to make sure that your door can seal tightly when it is shut, and that there are no gaps through which cold air can pass through.
You can make sure that your cat's shut the door against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. But, you should be aware of the overall structure of a pet door and its materials. The best cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps and a frame that can resist temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and block cold air from getting inside.
Look for a design with double-flaps that are able to be able to withstand cold and heat, as well high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap ones but they will help you save money on energy costs over time. This is particularly important if live somewhere that has harsh winters and summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the highest reviews and offer the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice because it offers great insulation and a tough flap, and an easy-to-install and tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many customers have praised its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder temperatures, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is essential to decreasing energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation is made with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is in it. Some models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if you need to.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for colder weather however, a great cat flap also needs to be able to stand up to winds. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be open by the wind in winter. This will allow cold air in your home and increase your heating bill. A quality cold-weather model will have an electronic seal that is able to withstand winds that exceed 50 miles an hour. A lot models also come with insulation to prevent loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for cold weather on the market. This model is insulated in both the replacement upvc door panel with cat flap as well as the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also comes with an easy-to-close panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets indoors.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC in order to reduce heat loss through conduction and keep your home warm. In addition, the frame is joined with the help of technology from the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet doors are another excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal and is welded with laser welding technology used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to extreme weather conditions and can be used in a wide variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that 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 you are choosing a cat door to keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should choose one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame made of aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or Plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help reduce energy loss and also prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door with these features.
A lot of modern cat doors that are made specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping to prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly, being made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even even if your cat flap is insulated it is possible that cold air still flows through the gap created between the door frame or window and the wall. The flap creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's known as a draught excluder which is placed on the flap's exterior however, it is crucial to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the door without difficulty so that they can go in and out as needed.
An alternative that is more efficient is to put in fitting a cat flap in a upvc door new door specifically designed for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, more insulated flap that reduces heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It also has the ability to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like 40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be similar to double-pane windows but at a fraction of the cost.