Choosing Cat Flap Insulation

A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a problem that many cat owners experience.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home. However, a cat flap will offer better protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that are suitable for any installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects of a cat door is its insulation. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be accomplished in many ways however the material that the flap is made is the most important.
A single flap won't accomplish much in terms of insulation for your home However, doors with dual or triple flaps are far more insulated and will stop cold air entering the house. You can also buy draught excluders that fit around the frame of the flap and help reduce drafts. But, you must be aware that these will not stop the cold air from getting in when your cat is trying to use their door at the same time.
Another alternative is to fill the area left behind by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, and also reducing the amount of noise generated when your cat is using their pet door. If you decide to do this, you need to determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap made and select a filler that is compatible with the fabric.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that offers 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 a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better insulation than the aluminum material used in the frames of other pet doors.
fitting a cat flap in a upvc door
When a door for cats is opened and closed, it creates draft which means cold air can sneak into your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers try to minimize the risk of this by incorporating what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you are planning to use a cat flap for cold weather, make sure your door seals tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps that cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to make sure your cat's flap stay shut against wind, but you should also look at the overall design and the materials that are used in a pet door. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that can stand up to temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keeps warm air out, which can be an enormous energy saver.
Look for a design with double-flaps that are able to be able to withstand cold and heat, as well high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap versions, but they can help you save money on energy costs over time. This is particularly important if reside in an area that has severe winters and harsh summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to see which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a popular choice because it offers great insulation and a sturdy flap, and an easy-to-install and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent option, with many customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while still offering the ability for their cats to move in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to prevent energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation is made with a magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. In addition, some models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if you need to.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather however, a great cat flap should also be able to withstand winds. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as it will let cold air to enter your home and increase your heating bill. A good cold-weather model has an electronic seal that can withstand winds of that exceed 50 miles an hour. Many models also have insulation to stop loss of heat.
One of the most effective cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide into when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to ensure it is durable and sturdy for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a great 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 makes it immune to harsh weather conditions and can be installed in many wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency, and it has a tunnel kit you can add to the door for extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door that will keep your home warm and free of drafts, it is recommended to choose a door with insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a substance like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that block drafts and aid in reducing energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door equipped with these features.
A lot of modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates have an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with two flaps and an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, assisting to prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also green, being made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap you may still find that cold air can be able to pass through the gap between the door frame and your window or wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by placing a draught-excluder around the outside of a flap. However it is essential to remember that your cat needs to be able open and close the doors without difficulty so that they can be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
A more effective solution is to install a new door that is specifically designed for colder weather, such as the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense that helps to reduce conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It is also able to withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows but at a fraction of the cost.