Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat flap open, it may create a draft. This is a common issue encountered by cat owners.
A draught excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, but an animal flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that can be used for any installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of the cat flap installation door is its insulation. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be made however the most important is the material the flap is made of.
A single flap will not make much difference in insulating your home However, doors with dual or triple flaps are more efficient in insulation and stop cold air from entering the house. You can also purchase draught-excluders to go around the frame and reduce drafts. Be aware that these will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
Another option is to cover the area left behind by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering into your home, and also reduce the noise generated by your cat when they use their pet upvc door panel with cat flap fitted. It is important to note that if you choose to do this, it is essential to gauge the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose a filler material that is in line with the surrounding material.
A great choice for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an insulated, thick flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating that the aluminum used in the frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home when the flap is opened. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening that are brushes. If you are planning to use a cat flap to combat cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps that let cold air in.
You can help your cat door stay closed against the winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. However, you should be aware of the overall structure of a pet-door and its materials. The most effective doors for cold weather will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that can endure temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keeps warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
You should also look for double-flap designs that are able to be able to withstand heat and cold and high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap versions but they will help you save money on energy bills over time. This is particularly true when you reside in a region which experiences harsh winters or summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to determine which models have the highest reviews and offer the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a popular choice because it provides excellent insulation and a tough flap, in addition to an easy-to-install, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a well shut cat flap is vital to reduce energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is made with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if required.
A high-quality cat flap must be able to withstand the wind and be secured with a magnetic seal. You don't want your cat flap step flap to be blown open by the winds in winter. This will allow cold air in to your home and raise your heating costs. A good cold-weather model will have an electronic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles an hour. A majority of these models also come with insulation to help prevent loss of heat.
One of the most effective cold-weather Cat Flaps (Nagievonline.com) on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated in the frame and the door to ensure maximum insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for colder weather. It is made from aerospace quality aluminum alloy and steel, which is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to harsh weather conditions and can be installed on different 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 in extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door to keep your home warm and free of drafts, it is recommended to choose a door with insulation features. This could be a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that stop drafts and aid in reducing the loss of energy. You can locate doors with these features by looking for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Many modern cat doors, specifically designed for cold climates, have a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has two flaps and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also green, being made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pet and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap, you may still find that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the frame of your door and the wall or window cat flap. This is because the flap itself creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by putting a draught-exclusion device around the outside of a flap. However it is essential to remember that your cat should be able open and close the doors quickly so that they can move in and out as needed.
The most effective option is to install a new door that has been specifically designed for cold weather, like the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors come with an extra thick, insulated door that cuts down on the conductive heating. It is also able to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows, however for a fraction of their cost.