Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a common problem encountered by cat owners.
A draught excluder can help minimise cold air entering the home, however the cat flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that are suitable for any kind of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects of the cat door is its insulation. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved in various ways, but the material that the flap is made is the most crucial.
A single flap won't make much difference in insulating your home, but doors that come with triple or double flaps are more efficient in insulation and will prevent cold air from entering the house. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to wrap around the frame and limit drafts. However, you need to bear in mind that these won't stop the cold air from getting in the room if your cat is attempting to use their door at the same time.
Another option is to fill in the space left by your cat flap with some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will help to stop cold air from entering your home, as well as reducing the amount of noise that occurs when your cat opens their pet door. If you decide to do this, you must take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap made 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 from Freedom Pet Pass. This door has an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to reduce conductive heat loss. It also has magnetic seals that block cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000x more efficient at insulating than aluminum frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened, it creates a draft which means cold air can enter your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening which are essentially brushes. If you want to make use of a cat flap in cold weather, you should make sure your door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps where cold air can enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a method to ensure that your cat's flap remain shut against wind, but you should also look at the overall structure and materials employed in a pet door. The best doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps and a frame that can resist temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. through wall cat flap will stop cold air from getting in and keep warm air out, which can be an enormous energy saver.
You should also look for a double-flap design that can resist both cold and heat and high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap models however they can save you money on energy bills over time. This is important if you live somewhere that has extreme summers and winters.
If you're considering purchasing a cat flap that is cold weather read the reviews to determine which models have the highest ratings and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a favorite due to its excellent insulation and a sturdy flap, and an easy-to-install and sturdy design that is tamper-proof. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with numerous customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while still allowing their cats to move in and out easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is the key to cutting down on energy loss. The best cat flap insulation has the magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is in the room. Additionally, certain models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if you need to.
A high-quality cat flap must be able to resist winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't need your cat flap to be blown wide open by the wind in winter. This can let cold air in to your home and increase your heating bills. A good model for cold weather will have a magnetic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles an hour. Many of these models also have insulation to stop heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps designed for cold weather on the market. The model is insulated in the door and frame to provide maximum insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic alternative. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. Additionally, the frame is joined using the latest technology in the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for cold weather. It is constructed of aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and metal steel, which is welded with laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather conditions and can be installed in many wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency and it also comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for more protection during severe weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that can keep your home warm and free of drafts, it is recommended to choose a door with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame made from aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models have brushes that help reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. You can locate doors with these features by looking for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
A lot of modern cat doors designed specifically for use in cold climates have a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with two flaps and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions, helping to keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly, being made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is insulated however, cold air still flows through the gap between the frame of your door or window and the existing wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's known as a draught excluder which is placed on the flap's outside however, it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door with ease so that they can get in and out as they wish.
Installing a new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for colder weather, is an effective option. The RANGER pet doors feature a thicker, insulated door that blocks conductive heating. It also has the ability to endure extreme temperatures, such as -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but at a fraction of the cost.