Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap could cause a draught if left open. This is a problem many cat owners experience.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house. However the cat flap can provide better protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that are suitable for any kind of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of the cat door is its insulation. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be achieved in many ways however the material from which the flap is made is the most important.
Doors with triple or double flaps offer greater insulation and prevent cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to wrap around the frame and reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the area left by your cat's flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will block cold air from getting into your home and reduce the sound generated by your cat using their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is essential that you measure the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose the filler material that is compatible with the surrounding material.
An excellent 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 a thick, insulated flap that is designed to reduce conductive heat loss. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000X more efficient at insulating than aluminum used in the frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
If a cat flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home if the flap is open. Some manufacturers try to minimize this problem by adding what is known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. But, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to ensure that the door is sealed tightly when shut and that there aren't gaps that cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to make sure your cat's flap keep its seal against the wind, but you should also take a look at the overall design and the materials employed in the pet door. The best pet doors for colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulate. They include thick PVC flaps, and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from getting in 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 and high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap ones however they can save you money on energy costs over time. This is particularly true when you live in an area that experiences harsh winters or summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to see which models have the best 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 provides excellent insulation and a durable flap, in addition to 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 commenting on its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while providing the ability for their cats to move in and out without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder weather, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is the key to cutting down on energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation comes with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside it. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when required.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for colder weather however, a good cat flap also needs to be able to withstand wind. You don't need your cat flap to be blown wide open by the wind during winter. This can let cold air into your house and increase your heating bill. A quality cold-weather model will come with magnetic seals that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour. A lot of these models also come with insulation to prevent loss of heat.
One of the most effective 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 also has an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets inside.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another excellent option. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is welded using the latest technology in the automotive industry to make it tough and durable for cold-weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another ideal option for those who live in colder weather. It is made from aerospace quality aluminum alloy as well as steel, and is welded with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it impervious to harsh weather and can be installed in many wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency, and it has an option to tunnel the door add to the door for more protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that can keep your home warm and free of drafts, you should look for one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame made from aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or Plastic. Certain models also have brushes that stop drafts and aid in reducing energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door that has these features.
A lot of modern cat doors designed specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that is able to stand up to extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly since it is constructed of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap you might find that cold air can traverse the gap between the frame of your door and your window or wall. The flap creates 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 crucial to remember that your cat should be able open and close the doors without difficulty to allow them to move in and out as needed.
Installing a new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER, that is designed specifically for colder weather, is an effective option. cat flap bifold doors features a thicker, more insulated flap which helps reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It is also able to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but for a fraction of their price.