Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it may create draft. This is a common problem experienced by cat owners.
A draught-exclusion device can help to reduce cold air coming into the home, but an animal flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a variety of ways that insulation can be made however the most important factor is the material that the flap is made of.
Doors with double glazing cat flap or triple flaps provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught-excluders to cover the frame and reduce drafts. Be aware that these products will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Another option is to fill in the area left behind by your cat flap with some form of insulation like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home and reduce the sound generated by your cat using their pet door. If you choose to do this, you must determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap created and select a filler that is compatible with the surrounding fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit conductive heat loss. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating that the aluminum used in the frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
If a cat 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're seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation (just click the next article), you will need to ensure that the door will seal properly when shut and that there are no gaps through which cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to make sure your cat's flap remain shut against wind, but you should also look at the overall structure and materials used in a pet door. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that can endure temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
Choose a model with double-flaps that are able to be able to withstand cold and heat and high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap models, but they're a wise investment that will help you reduce your energy bills in the long run. This is particularly important if reside in an area that has 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 Pet Door is a favorite because it offers great insulation and a durable flap, as well as an easy-to-install, safe from tampering. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with many customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while providing the ability for their cats to enter and exit easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to minimize energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation comes with a magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models come with 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 great cat flap should also be able to stand up to winds. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be blown wide open by the wind in winter. This will let cold air in to your home and increase your heating bills. A good cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour, and many of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
One of the top cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated in the door and frame to ensure maximum insulation. It is equipped with an Snap On closing panel which you can slide into the door when the weather is not ideal to keep your pet inside.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another excellent option for cold weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded with laser welding technology used in the automobile industry. Its design is impervious to extreme weather conditions, and is able to be installed on various wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency and it has tunnel kits that you can add to the door for extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and avoid drafts, then look for a cat flap fitting near me-friendly door that is insulated. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame constructed of aluminum which has less thermal conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models also feature brushes that block 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 equipped with these features.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, have several insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that is able to endure harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also environmentally friendly and is made of a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pets and the planet.
Even even if your cat flap is insulated however, cold air can still flow through the gap between the frame of the door or window and the wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers try to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder on the outside of the flap. However, it is important to keep in mind that your cat flap installers should be able open and close the doors easily so that they can be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
Installing an entirely 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 cuts down on conductive heating. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, including -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection can be similar to double glazing cat flap-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.