Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create an air draught when left open. This is a common problem encountered by cat owners.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the house. However an animal flap can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors that can be used for any type of installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. There are many ways in which insulation can be made but the most important thing is the material that the flap is made of.
Doors with double or triple flaps provide better insulation and stop cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the flap and help 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 for your cat.
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 reduce the noise generated by your cat flap fitting when they use their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is essential to gauge the hole that your cat flap has created and select a filler material that matches the surrounding material.
The RANGER pet entry door from Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for a high-quality cat flap in bifold doors flap. This door has an insulated, thick flap that is designed to limit conductive heat loss. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from getting through wall cat flap the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X more insulation than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of other pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened, it creates a draft that means cold air can get into your home, even if the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate the risk of this by incorporating what's known as draft excluders that are basically brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. However, if you are looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to make sure that your door can seal tightly when it is shut and that there are no gaps through which cold air can pass through.
You can help your cat shut the door against winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. But, you should be aware of the overall structure of a pet door and its materials. The best doors for pets in cold weather will be made of materials that are insulate. They will have thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option.
You should also consider double-flap designs that are able to resist both cold and heat, as well as high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they are a good investment that will allow you to save money on energy costs in the long in the long run. This is particularly true if you reside in a region that experiences extreme summers or winters.
If you're considering purchasing a winter cat flap look over the reviews to determine which models have the highest ratings and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and a simple to install secure, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder weather, a cat flap that seals tightly is essential to decreasing energy loss. This is why the most effective Cat Flap Insulation (Bioimagingcore.Be) is designed with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is in the room. Some models also 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 must also be able to stand up to winds. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as this could allow cold air to enter your home, which will increase the cost of heating. A good model for cold weather will come with magnetic seals that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour. A majority of these models also come with insulation to stop loss of heat.
One of the top cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated in both the door and the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets inside.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC in order to reduce heat loss through conduction and keep your house warm. The frame is welded together using technology from the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable for cold-weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for colder weather. It is constructed of aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and metal steel, which is welded by using laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and can be positioned on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and keep out drafts, look for a cat door that is insulated. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame made of aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models also come with brushes that stop drafts and reduce energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door with these features.
Many modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for use in cold climates, are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that can withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also environmentally friendly, being made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap, you may still find that cold air can be able to pass through the gap between the door frame and your window or wall. This is because the flap itself produces an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by providing what is known as a draught excluder which is positioned around the flap's outside however, it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door easily so that they can go in and out as they wish.
An alternative that is more efficient is to put in a new door specifically designed for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors feature an insulated, thicker door that cuts down on the heating that is conductive. It also has the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, including temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but at a fraction of the cost.