Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create an air draught when left open. This is a challenge that many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught-exclusion device can help minimise cold air entering the home, but an animal flap that is insulated will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that can be used for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of the cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but the material that the flap is constructed is the most crucial.
A single flap will not do much in terms of insulation, but doors that come with dual or triple flaps are more efficient in insulation and will prevent 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. You should be aware that they will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Fill in the space left by your cat's flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home, as well as making it less noisy that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is essential to 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 a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door comes with a strong and insulated seal, which reduces 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 better insulation than the aluminum 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 brushes. But, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation you will need to ensure that the door is sealed tightly when it is shut and that there aren't gaps that cold air can get in.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap keep its seal against wind, but you should also take a look at the overall structure and materials employed in a pet door. The best doors for pets in cold weather are made of materials that are insulate. They will have thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and prevent cold air from entering.
You should also consider double-flap designs that are able to resist both cold and heat and high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap models, but they are a good investment that will allow you to save money on energy costs in the long run. This is especially important when you reside in a region that gets extreme summers or winters.
If you are considering buying a winter cat flap look over the reviews to see which models have the highest ratings and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet upvc door panels with cat flap is a well-loved choice due to its excellent insulation and a durable flap, as well as an easy-to-install, safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many customers praise its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to prevent energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation comes with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is in the room. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if required.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for colder weather however, a good cat flap must also be able to withstand the wind. You don't want your cat flap to be blown open by the winds in winter. This will allow cold air in to your home and increase your heating bills. A good cold-weather model has magnetic seals that can withstand winds of that exceed 50 miles an hour. A majority models also come with insulation to stop heat loss.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated inside the frame and in the upvc door panel with cat flap fitted to provide the highest level of insulation. It comes with a Snap On closing panel which you can slide into the door if the weather is bad in order to keep your pet safe.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss through conduction and keep your house warm. Additionally, the frame is welded with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it tough and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather conditions and can be used in a wide variety of wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency, and it also comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for additional protection in extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that will keep your home warm and free of drafts, it is recommended to choose a door with insulation features. This could include dual flaps, or a thermally efficient frame made from a material like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that block drafts and aid in reducing energy loss. You can locate doors with these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
Many of the modern cat doors designed specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, assisting to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also green as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even even if your cat flap is insulated however, cold air can still flow through the gap created between the frame of the door or window cat flap and the wall. This is because the flap itself creates a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's known as a draught excluder which is positioned around the flap's exterior, but it is important to remember that your cat will need to be capable of opening and closing the door without difficulty to allow them to go in and out as they wish.
Installing a new pet door like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER, that is designed specifically for colder weather, is an effective option. The RANGER pet doors feature an insulated, thicker door that cuts down on the conductive heating. It is also able to withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection could be comparable to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.