Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it can create a draft. This is fitting a cat flap in a upvc door problem many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the home. However an animal flap can provide better protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that work for all kinds of installations that include wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are many ways in which insulation can be achieved, but the most important thing is the material that the flap is made from.
A single flap won't do much in terms of insulation for your home However, doors with triple or dual flaps are more efficient in insulation and will stop cold air getting into the house. You can also purchase draft restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the flap and help to reduce drafts. Be aware that these will not stop cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat.
Another alternative is to fill the space left by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will block cold air from entering into your home and reduce the noise produced by your cat when they use their pet door. If you decide to do this, you need to determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap created and select a filler that matches the fabric.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent option for a high-quality cat flap. The door has a thick and insulated seal, which reduces the loss of heat. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000 times more insulating that the aluminum frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home when the flap is open. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening which are essentially brushes. But, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation, you must ensure that the door is sealed tightly when closed, and that there aren't gaps through which cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to help your cat flap remain shut against wind, however you should also look at the overall design and the materials employed in a pet door. The best doors for pets in cold weather will be made of materials that are insulating. These include thick PVC flaps, and a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and stop cold air from entering.
You should also look for a double-flap design that can resist both cold and heat, as well as high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap ones but they will help you save money on energy bills over time. This is important if you live somewhere that has extreme summers and winters.
If you're thinking of buying a winter cat flap read the reviews to determine which ones are the most well-reviewed and offer the most protection against the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it has a durable flap and a simple to install secure, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with numerous customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind, while still allowing their cats to move in and out without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold conditions, a cat flap that seals tightly is the key to decreasing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is designed with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Additionally, certain models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if you need to.
A good cat flap must be able to withstand wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by wind in winter, because it will let cold air into your home, which will increase the cost of heating. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will feature a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour and a lot of them are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for cold temperatures available. This model is insulated in both the door and frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It is equipped with a Snap On closing panel that you can slide into the door when weather is not ideal to keep your pet indoors.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. In addition, the frame is welded with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet doors are another excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded using laser welding technology used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to extreme weather conditions and can be incorporated into many wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door for additional protection in extreme weather.
The Design
When you are choosing a cat door that will keep your home warm and free of drafts, it is recommended to choose a door with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame constructed of aluminum which has less thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door equipped with these features.
Many modern cat doors, specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with several insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features two flaps and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, assisting to keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly, since it is constructed of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for your pets and planet.
Even the flap is insulated, you may find that cold air still flows through the gap created between the door frame or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself causes 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 important to remember that your cat flap install needs to be able to open and shut the doors quickly to allow them to be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
Installing an entirely new pet door, like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for cold weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet doors come with an extra thick, insulated door that blocks conductive heating. It also has the ability to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This degree of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at less cost.