Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you keep your cat's flap open, it may create draft. This is a frequent issue encountered by cat owners.
A draught excluder can help minimise cold air entering the home, however the cat flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors suitable for any installation, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important aspects of a cat-door. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm in. There are a variety of ways in which insulation can be made, but the most important is the material that the flap is made from.
A single flap will not do much in terms of insulating your home, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are far more insulated and stop cold air from entering the house. You can also purchase draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and help to reduce drafts. You should be aware that these will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door to let your cat flap cover for winter in.
Another alternative is to fill the area left behind by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will block cold air from entering your home and reduce the sound generated by your cat when they use their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital to gauge the hole your cat's flap has created and select a filler material that is in line with the material surrounding it.
The RANGER pet entry by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for an excellent cat flap. The door has a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes the loss of heat. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X more insulating than the aluminum material used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened and closed, it creates draft, which means that cold air can enter your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening which are essentially brushes. But, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap bifold doors flap insulation (navigate here), you'll need to ensure that the door can seal tightly when closed, and that there are no gaps through which cold air can pass through.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap keep its seal against wind, but you must also consider the overall design and the materials used in the construction of a pet door. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to endure temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which is an energy-efficient option.
You should also consider double-flap designs that are able to be able to withstand heat and cold and high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap versions however they can help you save money on energy costs over time. This is important if you live somewhere that has severe winters and harsh summers.
If you're thinking of buying a winter cat flap read the reviews to determine which models have the highest ratings and provide the most protection against the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it comes with a sturdy flap and an easy-to install, tamper proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to resist the elements of wind and cold without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder conditions, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to reducing energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation comes with an magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside the door. Additionally, certain models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if you need to.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in cold weather, but a good cat flap must also be able to withstand wind. You don't need your cat flap to be blown wide open by the wind in winter. This will allow cold air in to your home and raise your heating costs. A quality cold-weather model will have an electronic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour. A majority of these models also have insulation to stop loss of heat.
One of the top cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door and the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It comes with an Snap On closing panel that can be inserted into the replacement upvc door panels with cat flap when the weather is cold to keep your pet indoors.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC in order to reduce heat loss through conduction and keep your house warm. Additionally, the frame is welded using the latest technology in the automotive industry to make it tough and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for colder weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal and is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it resistant to harsh weather and can be used in various wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door for additional protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door that can keep your home warm and free of drafts, you should look for one with insulation features. This could include the dual flap system or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a substance like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and reduce energy loss. You can locate doors with these features by looking for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, come with several insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap design and an insulated frame that can withstand extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly and is made of a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the environment.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air can pass through the gap between the door frame and your window or wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers try to minimize this by putting a draught-exclusion device around the outside of a flap. However it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat must be able to open and close the doors without difficulty to allow them to enter and exit as needed.
Installing an entirely new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather, is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet door has an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense which helps reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It is also able to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows but at a fraction of the price.