Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a problem that many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught excluder can help minimise cold air entering the house, but an animal flap that is insulated can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that are suitable for all types of installations, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects of the cat door is its insulation. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm in. There are many ways in which insulation can be made but the most important is the material that the flap is made from.
A single flap will not do much in terms of insulating your home, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are much more insulated and will prevent cold air from getting into the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to cover the frame and limit drafts. Be aware that they will not stop cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the gap left by your cat flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will block cold air from entering your home, and also reduce the noise produced by your cat when they use their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is crucial to measure the hole that your cat's flap has made and select a filler material that matches the material surrounding it.
A great choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door has an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating that the aluminum frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened it creates a draft that means cold air can enter your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what is known as draught excluders which are essentially brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you want to use a cat flap to combat colder weather, ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps through which cold air can enter.
You can help your cat shut the door against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you must also consider the overall construction of a pet-door and its materials. The best doors for pets in colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulation. These include thick PVC flaps and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and stop cold air from getting inside.
It is also recommended to look for double-flap designs that are able to stand up to heat and cold, as well as high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap ones but they will help you save money on energy costs over time. This is important if you reside in a region that experiences extreme summers and winters.
If you are considering buying a cold weather cat flap, check the reviews to determine which ones are the most well-reviewed and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a popular choice because it provides excellent insulation and a sturdy flap, as well as an easy-to-install, tamper-proof design. 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 providing the ability for their cats to move in and out without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder weather, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is crucial to reducing energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation is designed with an magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside it. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when required.
A good cat flap must be able to withstand wind and have a strong magnetic seal. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be blown wide open by the winds in winter. This will allow cold air in your home and increase your heating bills. A good model for cold weather has a magnetic seal that can withstand wind speeds that exceed 50 miles an hour. A lot models also have insulation to stop loss of heat.
One of the best cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in the frame and the door to provide the highest level of insulation. It is equipped with a Snap On closing panel that you can slide into the door if the weather is not ideal to keep your pet indoors.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another great alternative. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. The frame is welded with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it tough and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another ideal option for those who live in colder weather. double glazing cat flap is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded using laser welding technology used in the automobile industry. cat flap double glazing is impervious to extreme weather conditions, and is able to be installed on different wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door for additional protection against extreme weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door that will keep your home warm and draft free you should look for one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame made of aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door that has these features.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed for use in cold climates, have a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system and an insulated frame that can endure harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also environmentally friendly, being made from an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated it is possible that cold air can still flow through the opening between the door frame or window and the wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder on the outside of the flap. However, it is important to remember that your cat must be able to open and shut the doors easily so that they can move in and out as needed.
Installing a new pet door such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather, is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet door has a thicker, more insulated flap that reduces conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It is also able to withstand extreme temperatures, including temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be compared to double-pane windows, but at a fraction of the cost.