Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it can create draft. This is a challenge that many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught-exclusion device can help minimise cold air entering the home, but the cat flap with insulation will provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that work for all kinds of installations, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects 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 made, but the most important factor is the material that the flap is made of.
Doors with double or triple flaps provide more insulation and block cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught excluders that fit around the frame of the flap and help to reduce drafts. However, it is important to keep in mind that these will not stop the cold air from getting in if your cat is attempting to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Another option is to fill in the space left by your cat's flap some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will help to prevent cold air from entering your home, as well as decreasing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. If you decide to do this, you should determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap created and select a filler that is compatible with the surrounding fabric.
An excellent choice for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door has a thick, insulated flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or winds from passing through the flap. upvc door panel replacement cat flap are 3,000x more efficient at insulating than aluminum frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened and closed, it creates draft which means cold air can get into your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate the risk of this by incorporating what is known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. If you want to use a cat flap to combat cold weather, ensure that the door seals tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps where cold air can enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a method to ensure that your cat's flap keep its seal against wind, however you must also consider the overall construction and materials employed in a pet door. The best cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can stand up to temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will keep warm air out and block cold air from getting inside.
Look for a design with double-flaps, which can stand up to cold and hot and high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap versions, but they can save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important if reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather to determine which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the best 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, as well as an easy-to-install and safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers have praised its ability to resist cold and wind without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder weather, a cat flap that seals tightly is essential to decreasing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is made with the use of a magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Some models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out, if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a great cat flap should also be able to resist winds. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as it will let cold air to enter your home, which will increase the cost of heating. 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 a majority of these models are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
One of the most effective cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated both in the door and frame to ensure maximum insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide into when the weather isn't great to keep your pets indoors.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. The frame is welded using technology from the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for colder weather. It is made from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and metal steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it resistant to harsh weather and can be incorporated into many wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it has tunnel kits that you can add to the door for extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and avoid drafts, then consider a cat door that is insulated. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame made from aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models also feature brushes that prevent 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.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed to be used in cold climates, have various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap system and an insulated frame that can stand up to harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also eco-friendly, because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap, you might find that cold air can be able to pass through the gap between the door frame and the wall or window. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's known as a draught excluder which is positioned around the outside of the flap however it is important to remember that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door with ease so that they can go in and out as needed.
The most effective option is to put in a new door that has been specifically designed for colder conditions, such as the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have an insulated, thicker door that cuts down on the heating that is conductive. It also has the ability to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at only a fraction of the cost.