Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you keep your cat's flap open, it could create draft. This is a common issue experienced by cat owners.
A draught-exclusion device can help minimise cold air entering the home, however a 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 types of installations, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects of the cat door is its insulation. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. There are many ways that insulation can be achieved, but the most important is the material the flap is constructed from.
A single flap won't do how much to install a cat flap in terms of insulation for your home But doors with triple or double flaps are more efficient in insulation and will prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also purchase draught-excluders to wrap around the frame to reduce drafts. But, you must be aware that they will not prevent the cold air from entering if your cat is trying to use their door at the same at the same time.
Another alternative is to fill the space left behind by your cat flap with some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This can help keep cold air out of your home, and also reducing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. If you do this, you need to take a measurement of the hole your cat flap installation cost's flap created and select a filler that matches the 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 an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000 times more insulation than the aluminum used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air may still get into your home even though the flap is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce the risk of this by incorporating what are known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. However, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation (reference), you'll need to ensure that your door is sealed tightly when shut and that there aren't gaps that cold air can enter.
You can help your cat keep the door shut against winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. However, you must take into consideration the overall design of a pet-door and its materials. The best pet doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulate. They include thick PVC flaps, and frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and block cold air from entering.
It is also recommended to look for double-flap models that can resist both cold and heat and high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they are a great investment that will allow you to reduce your energy bills in the long term. This is especially important if you reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.
If you are considering buying a cold weather cat flap installers flap read the reviews to determine which ones are the most well-reviewed and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a favorite because it provides excellent insulation and a sturdy flap, as well as an easy-to-install, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent option, with many customers praising its ability to resist extreme cold and wind while providing the ability for their cats to enter and exit freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder conditions, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is the key to reducing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is designed with a magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is in the door. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if needed.
A strong magnetic seal is vital in winter, but a good cat flap should also be able to resist wind. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by winds in winter, since this could allow cold air into your home, which will increase the cost of heating. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with a strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour and many of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated in both the door and frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It includes the Snap On closing panel that you can slide into the door when weather is bad in order to keep your pet indoors.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. Additionally, the frame is welded together with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it tough and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet door is an excellent choice for cold weather. It is constructed from aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and steel, which is welded with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to harsh weather, and it can be installed on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with a tunnel kit 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 look for a cat door that has insulation features. This could be dual flaps, or a thermally efficient frame made from a material like aluminum, which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and aid in reducing the loss of energy. You can find doors with these features by searching for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Many modern cat doors, specifically designed for use in cold climates, are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also green, being made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for pets and the environment.
Even even if your cat flap is insulated however, cold air can still pass through the opening between the door frame or window and the existing wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what is called a draught-exclusion device that is placed around the flap's outside however, it is crucial to remember that your cat will need to be capable of opening and closing the door easily to allow them to go in and out as they wish.
Installing a new pet door such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for colder weather, is an effective option. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, more insulated flap that helps to reduce the conductive heat by reducing amount of energy that is lost through the material. It also has the ability to withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, however for a fraction of their cost.