Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you keep your cat's flap open, it could create a draft. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught-exclusion device can help to reduce cold air coming into the home, however an animal flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors suitable for any kind of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of the cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be accomplished in various ways, but the material that the flap is made is the most crucial.
A single flap will not make much difference in insulation for your home, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are far more insulated and stop cold air from entering the home. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and help to reduce drafts. But, you must keep in mind that these won't stop the cold air from entering when your cat is attempting to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Fill in the area left by your cat flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will help to keep cold air out of your home, while also decreasing the amount of noise that occurs when your cat is using their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is crucial to gauge the hole that your cat flap has made and select a filler material that is in line with the surrounding material.
The RANGER pet entry by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent option for an excellent cat flap. The door is constructed with a thick, insulated flap that is designed to minimize 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 celluloid PVC frames are 3,000 times more efficient at insulating than aluminum used in the frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air may still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening that are brushes. However, if you are searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to ensure that the door can seal tightly when it is shut and that there aren't gaps through wall cat flap which cold air can enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to help your cat flap remain shut against the wind, but you should also take a look at the overall structure and materials that are used in the construction of a pet door. The most effective doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to endure temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which is an energy-efficient option.
It is also recommended to look for a double-flap design that can stand up to heat and cold and high winds. These models are more expensive than single-flap versions but they will help you save money on energy costs over time. This is particularly important when you live in an area that experiences harsh winters or summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to determine which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and an easy-to install secure, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option, with numerous customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind, while providing the ability for their cats to go in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to prevent energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation comes with the use of a magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Additionally, certain models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out, if needed.
A great cat flap should be able to resist winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by wind in winter, because this will allow cold air to enter your home, which will increase the cost of heating. A good model for cold weather will have an electronic seal that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles an hour. A majority of these models also have insulation to prevent loss of heat.
One of the top cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in the door and frame to provide maximum insulation. It includes an Snap On closing panel that you can put into the door when weather is bad in order to keep your pet safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. The frame is welded together with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet doors are a ideal option for those who live in colder weather. It is made from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and metal steel, and is welded using laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it impervious to extreme weather conditions and can be installed in various wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency and it has tunnel kits that you can add to the door for extra protection during severe weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and avoid drafts, then look for a cat-friendly door that has insulation features. This could be the dual flap system or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a substance like aluminum, which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that prevent drafts and help to reduce the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door with these features.
Many of the modern cat flap fitters doors that are made specifically for use in cold climates have a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system and an insulated framework that can endure extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly since it is constructed of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for your pets and planet.
Even the flap is well-insulated, you may find that cold air still flows through the gap between the door frame or window and the wall. This is because the flap itself creates a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by providing what is known as a draught excluder which is placed around the flap's exterior, but it is important to keep in mind that your cat will need to be capable of opening and closing the door without difficulty so that they can go into and out when they need to.
Installing a new pet door such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for cold weather, is an effective option. The RANGER pet doors come with a thicker, insulated door that reduces the conductive heating. It is also able to withstand extreme temperatures, including temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.