Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if left open. This is a common issue experienced by cat owners.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house. However the cat flap offers more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps 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. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be accomplished in various ways but the material from which the flap is made is the most crucial.
Doors with triple or double flaps will provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught excluders that fit around the frame of the cat flap and reduce drafts. Be aware that these products will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Another option is to cover the area left behind by your cat's flap some form of insulation like styrofoam. This will help to prevent cold air from entering your home, and also making it less noisy that occurs when your cat opens their pet door. If you choose to do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap has created and choose a filler that is compatible with the fabric.
The RANGER pet door 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 conductive heat loss. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000 times more insulating than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened, it creates a draft which means cold air can get into your home, even if the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening that are brushes. If you plan to use a cat flap to combat colder weather, ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps where allow cold air to enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to help your cat flap remain shut against the wind, but you must also consider the overall design and the materials employed in a pet door. The most effective cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps and a frame that can resist temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will stop cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which can be an enormous energy saver.
You should also look for double-flap designs that are able to resist both cold and heat and high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap versions however they can save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important for those who live in an area that gets extreme summers or winters.
Read reviews before purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to determine which models have the highest 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 and tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers have praised its ability to withstand cold and wind without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold conditions, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to reducing energy loss. The best cat flap insulation comes with an opening with a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside it. Additionally, certain models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
A high-quality cat flap must be able to withstand wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't need your cat flap to be open by the wind during winter. This will let cold air in to your home and raise your heating costs. A good model for cold weather will have an electronic seal that can withstand winds of that exceed 50 miles an hour. A majority of these models also have insulation to stop heat loss.
One of the top cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in both the door and frame to give the best amount of insulation. It also comes with an opening panel that snaps on so can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another excellent alternative. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to limit 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 door is another excellent choice for cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded using laser welding technology used in the automobile industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather, and it can be positioned on a variety of wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the door to give it extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
When you are choosing a cat door to keep your home warm and draft free you should choose one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame constructed of aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or Plastic. Certain models also have brushes that block drafts and reduce energy loss. Look for fitting a cat flap in a upvc door "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door with these features.
Many modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, have several insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that can withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also eco-friendly as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for pet and the planet.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air can traverse the gap between the frame of your door and your wall or window. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what is called a draught-exclusion device that is placed around the flap's exterior 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 get into and out when they need to.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a brand new door that is specifically designed for colder weather, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors come with an extra thick, insulated door that blocks conductive heating. It also has the ability to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be comparable to double-pane windows but at a fraction of the cost.