Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat flap installers's flap open, it could create a draft. This is a common issue experienced by cat owners.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the home. However the cat flap offers better protection against the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for all types of installations including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of the cat door is its insulation. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be accomplished in many ways but the material from which the flap is made is the most important.
A single flap will not accomplish much in terms of insulation for your home However, doors with dual or triple flaps are much more insulated and will prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also purchase draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and reduce drafts. However, you need to keep in mind that they will not prevent the cold air from entering when your upvc cat flap door panels is attempting to use their door at the same time.
Fill in the area left by your cat's flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home, and also making it less noisy generated when your cat opens their pet door. If you do this, you must measure the hole your cat flap created and select a filler that matches the fabric.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door has a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000x more efficient at insulating than aluminum frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
If a cat flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home if the flap is opened. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening which are essentially brushes. However, if you're seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation, you must ensure that the door will seal properly when shut and that there are no gaps where cold air can enter.
You can help your cat shut the door against wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you should also consider the overall construction of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best pet doors for cold weather are made 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 stop cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
It is also recommended to look for a double-flap design that can resist both cold and heat, as well as high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap models, but they're a wise investment that will allow you to reduce your energy bills in the long run. This is particularly important if reside in a region that experiences extreme summers and winters.
Check reviews before buying a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a favorite due to its excellent insulation and a durable flap, as well as an easy-to-install secure, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option, with many customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while still offering the ability for their cats to enter and exit easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder temperatures, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to cutting down on energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation is made with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if required.
A high-quality cat flap must be able to withstand wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by winds in winter, since it will let cold air into your home and increase your heating costs. A good cat flap for cold weather will feature an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a majority of these models are also insulated to reduce heat loss through the door.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated both in the frame and the door to ensure maximum insulation. It also has an easy-to-close panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets indoors.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat 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 cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a ideal option for those who live in colder weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal and is welded with laser welding technology used in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather, and it can be installed on various wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the replacement upvc door panel with cat flap for additional protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, consider a cat door that has insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a substance like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that stop 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.
A lot of modern cat doors that are designed specifically for use in cold climates have a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also environmentally friendly, as it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated however, cold air still flows through the opening between the door frame or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what's known as a draught excluder which is positioned around the flap's exterior however it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and close the door without difficulty so that they can go in and out as they wish.
A more effective solution is to install a new door that has been specifically designed for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have an extra thick, insulated door that cuts down on the conductive heating. It is also able to endure extreme temperatures, such as -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows, but at a fraction of the cost.