Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat flap open, it could create draft. This is a common problem that cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the house. However, a cat flap offers better protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that are suitable for all types of installations including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be achieved through many ways but the material that the flap is constructed is the most important.
A single flap will not accomplish much in terms of insulating your home But doors with triple or dual flaps are much more insulated and will prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also purchase draft excluders that go around the frame of the flap and help to reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Fill in the gap left by your cat's flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will help to keep cold air out of your home, and also making it less noisy generated when your cat is using their pet door. If you choose to do this, you need to determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap created and select a filler that matches the surrounding fabric.
The RANGER pet entry by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for a high-quality cat flap. The door features an insulated, thick flap that is designed to limit the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000X more insulating than the aluminum frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened and closed, it creates draft, which means that cold air can sneak into your home, even if the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening which are essentially brushes. If you want to use a cat flap to combat colder weather, make sure your door seals tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps that allow cold air to enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to help your cat flap remain shut against wind, but you should also look at the overall design and the materials that are used in a pet door. The best doors for pets in colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulate. They will have thick PVC flaps, and frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keeps warm air out, which is an enormous energy saver.
You should also look for double-flap designs that are able to resist both cold and heat and high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, however they are a great investment that can help you save on energy costs in the long term. This is especially important for those who reside in a region which experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
If you are considering buying a cat flap that is cold weather, check 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 because it has a durable flap that is easy to install and has a secure, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to withstand cold and wind without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to reduce energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation comes with an opening with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door shut, even when your pet is inside it. Additionally, certain models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for colder weather however, a good cat flap should also be able to resist wind. You don't need your cat flap to be open by the winds in winter. This will let cold air in your home and increase your heating bill. A quality cold-weather model will come with an electronic seal that can withstand winds of that exceed 50 miles an hour. A majority of these models also have insulation to prevent heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for colder temperatures available. The model is insulated inside both the door and frame to give the best amount of insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that can be slid in when the weather is bad to keep your pets indoors.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. This door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another great choice for cold weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automobile industry. Its design makes it impervious to extreme weather conditions and can be installed in various wall materials. The double flaps provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door for additional protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and keep out drafts, look for a cat-friendly door that has insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, 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 reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. You can find doors that have these features by looking for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system as well as an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand the harshest weather conditions, assisting to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly since it is constructed of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is insulated it is possible that cold air still flows through the opening between the frame of your door or window and the existing wall. upvc door panel with cat flap is because the flap itself creates an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by providing what is known as a draught excluder which is placed on the outside of the flap however it is important to keep in mind that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door without difficulty to allow them to go in and out as needed.
The most effective option is to put in a new door specifically made for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door has an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense that helps to reduce conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It also has the ability to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like 40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but at a fraction of the price.