Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if left open. This is a common problem experienced by cat owners.
A draught-exclusion device can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, however a cat flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that can be used for any installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of a cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be accomplished in various ways but the material from which the flap is made is the most important.
Doors with triple or double flaps provide better insulation and stop cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to cover the frame to reduce drafts. However, you need to keep in mind that these will not stop the cold air from entering the room if your cat is trying to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Fill in the space left by your cat's flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from getting into your home and will reduce the noise produced by your cat's pet door. If you do this, you must take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap created and select an appropriate filler to match the fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door comes with a strong and insulated seal, which reduces heat loss. It also has magnetic seals that block cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000X more insulating that the aluminum frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened, it creates a draft which means cold air can sneak into your home even though the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening which are essentially brushes. However, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation (you can try these out), you'll need to ensure that your door will seal properly when shut and that there are no gaps that cold air can pass through.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap stay shut against the wind, but you should also look at the overall construction and materials used in the construction of a pet door. The best pet doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulation. They include thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which is an enormous energy saver.
Choose a model with double-flaps, which can withstand both heat and cold and high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, however they are a great investment that will allow you to reduce your energy bills in the long run. This is especially important when you live in an area which experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
If you're thinking of buying a cold weather cat flap, check the reviews to determine which models are the best-reviewed and provide the best 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, tamper proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers praise its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder temperatures, a cat flap that seals tightly is essential to reducing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is designed with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door closed even when your pet is inside the composite door cat flap. Some models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if you need to.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather however, a great cat flap also needs to be able to stand up to winds. You don't want your cat flap to be blown open by the winds in winter. This can let cold air in your home and increase your heating bill. A quality cold-weather model will come with an electronic seal that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour. A majority models also have insulation to help prevent heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flap installer near me flaps designed for cold weather available. It is insulated in both the door and frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also comes with an easy-to-close panel that you can slide in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets indoors.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another excellent option. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another excellent choice for colder weather. It is constructed from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and metal steel, and is welded using laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to harsh weather conditions and can be positioned on a variety of wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the door to give it extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that will keep your home warm and draft free you should choose one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame made from aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help to reduce energy loss and also prevent drafts. You can find doors that have these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
Many of the modern cat doors that are made specifically for cold climates come with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly, because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for both your pets and the environment.
Even even if your cat flap is insulated however, cold air can still flow through the opening between the frame of the door or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself causes a draught when open. Some manufacturers try to minimize this by putting a draught-exclusion device on the outside of the flap. However it is essential to keep in mind that your cat should be able to open and shut the doors quickly to allow them to move in and out as needed.
Installing a new pet door such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for cold weather, is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet upvc door panels cat flap features a thicker, more insulated flap that helps to reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It is also able to withstand extreme temperatures, including -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be similar to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.