Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it may create a draft. This is a challenge that many cat owners face.
A draught-exclusion device can help minimise cold air entering the house, but an animal flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps insulated and dog doors suitable for any kind of installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm in. There are many ways that insulation can be made however the most important is the material the flap is made of.
Doors with double or triple flaps provide more insulation and block cold air from getting into your home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to go around the frame and limit drafts. You should be aware that these products will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the space left by your cat flap with insulation like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering into your home, and also reduce the noise produced by your cat flaps for french doors when they use their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital to gauge the hole that your cat flap has created and choose a filler material that is in line with the surrounding material.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for a high-quality cat flap. The door features a thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a durable magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better insulating than the aluminum material used in the frames of other pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened and closed, it creates draft which means cold air can enter your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening which are essentially brushes. But, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you will need to ensure that the door is sealed tightly when it is shut and that there aren't gaps where cold air can get in.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to help your cat flap keep its seal against wind, but you should also take a look at the overall design and the materials used in a pet door. The best pet doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulation. They will have thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from leaking in and keeps warm air out, which is an enormous energy saver.
Choose a model with double-flaps, which can be able to withstand cold and heat and also high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap models however they can help you save money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important for those who reside in a region that gets harsh winters or summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather to see which models have the most favorable reviews and offer the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet upvc door panels with cat flap is popular because it has a durable flap that is easy to install and has a and tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & cat flap fitters Door, another excellent choice. Many customers have praised its ability to resist the elements of wind and cold without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder conditions, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to decreasing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation (our website) is made with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if required.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a good cat flap must also be able to withstand the wind. You don't need your cat flap to be blown open by the wind during winter. This will allow cold air in to your home and raise your heating costs. A good cold-weather model will come with magnetic seals that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour. A majority models also come with insulation to stop heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps designed for cold weather on the market. This model is insulated both inside the frame and in the door to provide maximum insulation. It also comes with an easy-to-close panel that can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to reduce conductive heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using technology used in automotive manufacturing to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another great choice for cold weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded using laser welding technology used in the automobile industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather conditions and is able to be installed on various wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door to give it extra protection against extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door to keep your home warm and free of drafts, you should choose one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame made of aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. You can find doors with these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
A lot of modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates are equipped with a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that can stand up to harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also eco-friendly as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even the flap is insulated however, cold air can still flow through the gap created between the frame of the door or window with cat flap and the existing wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers try to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder on the outside of the flap. However it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able open and close the doors without difficulty so that they can move in and out as needed.
Installing a new pet door such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER, that is designed specifically for cold weather is an effective option. The RANGER pet door features an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense that reduces conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. 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, but for a fraction of their price.