Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat flap open, it can create a draft. This is a common issue experienced by cat owners.
A draught-exclusion device can help minimise cold air entering the home, however the cat flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that are suitable for any type of installation including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important characteristics of the cat-door. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are many ways that insulation can be created, but the most important thing is the material the flap is made of.
A single flap will not accomplish much in terms of insulation for your home However, doors with triple or double flaps are far more insulated and will stop cold air entering the home. You can also purchase draft excluders that go around the frame of the cat flap and help reduce drafts. However, it is important to keep in mind that they will not prevent the cold air from entering when your cat is using their door at the same simultaneously.
Another alternative is to fill the space left behind by your cat's flap with some form of insulation like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from getting into your home and will reduce the noise generated by your cat using their pet door. If you do this, you must determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap created and select a filler that matches the fabric.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for a high-quality cat flap. The door has a thick and insulated seal, which reduces the loss of heat. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000x more efficient at insulating than aluminum used in the frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened, it creates a draft which means cold air can get into your home, even if the flap is closed. Some manufacturers try to minimize this issue by adding what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. 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 that cold air can enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to help your cat flap keep its seal against the wind, but you should also take a look at the overall structure and materials employed in the pet door. The best cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a frame that can endure temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and prevent cold air from entering.
Find a model with double-flaps that are able to withstand both heat and cold and high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap models however they can save you money on energy costs over time. This is particularly important if live somewhere that has severe winters and harsh summers.
If you are considering buying a cold weather cat flap look over the reviews to see which models have the highest ratings and provide the best 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 and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great choice, with a lot of customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while providing the ability for their cats to move in and out without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder temperatures, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is the key to decreasing energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is designed with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if required.
A solid magnetic seal is essential for cold weather however, a great cat flap must also be able to stand up to winds. You don't want your cat flap to be open by the wind in winter. This can let cold air in to your home and raise your heating costs. A good cold-weather model will have magnetic seals that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour. cat flap installation cost near me of these models also have insulation to prevent loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps designed for cold temperatures available. This model is insulated in both the door and frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also comes with an opening panel that snaps on so can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets indoors.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. Additionally, the frame is welded using the latest technology in the automotive industry to make it strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for colder weather. It is made from aerospace quality aluminum alloy as well as steel, which is welded with laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to harsh weather, and it can be installed on a variety of wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door for additional protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door to keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should choose one with insulation features. This could include dual flaps, or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a material like aluminum, which is less thermally conductive 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 designed specifically for cold climates come with various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system as well as an insulated framework that can withstand extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly as it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for your pets and planet.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated however, cold air can still pass through the gap created between the door frame or window and the existing wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what is called a draught excluder that is placed around the outside of the flap, but it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the door easily to allow them to go into and out when they need to.
Installing an entirely new pet door, like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for colder weather, is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet door comes with a thicker, insulated flap which helps reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It also has the ability to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but at a fraction of the price.