Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it can create draft. This is a frequent issue that cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home. However the cat flap will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of dog doors that are insulated and cat flaps that work for all kinds of installations, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects of a cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. There are a variety of ways that insulation can be achieved however the most important is the material that the flap is constructed from.
A single flap won't accomplish much in terms of insulation, but doors that come with triple or double flaps are far more insulated and will prevent cold air from entering the house. You can also purchase draught excluders that fit around the frame of the cat flap and reduce drafts. But, you must be aware that these will not stop cold air from entering if your cat is using their door at the same time.
Another option is to fill in the area left behind by your cat flap with some form of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from getting into your home and reduce the sound generated by your cat when they use their pet door. If you decide to do this, you should measure the hole your cat flap created and select an appropriate filler to match the fabric.
A great option for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door features an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to reduce conductive heat loss. It also has a strong magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000 times more insulation than the aluminum used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home if the flap is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this issue by adding what's known as draft excluders that are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. If you want to make use of a cat flap in colder weather, ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps through which allow cold air to enter.
You can help your cat door stay closed against the winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. But, you should be aware of the overall structure of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best doors for pets in colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulating. These include thick PVC flaps and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from getting in and keep warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
Choose a model with double-flaps that are able to be able to withstand cold and heat and high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap models, however they're a wise investment that will help you reduce your energy bills in the long run. This is particularly important if live somewhere that has extreme summers and winters.
Read reviews before purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather to see which models have the highest reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it has a durable flap and an easy-to install and tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers have praised its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to prevent energy loss. The best cat flap insulation features a magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when needed.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for colder weather however, a good cat flap must also be able to stand up to wind. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by wind during winter, as this will allow cold air into your home, which will increase the cost of heating. A quality cold-weather model will have magnetic seals that is able to withstand winds that exceed 50 miles an hour. A majority models also come with insulation to stop heat loss.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated both in the door and frame to ensure maximum insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide into when the weather is bad to keep your pets safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to reduce conductive heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to make it durable and strong for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for cold weather. cat flap installer repairmywindowsanddoors is constructed of aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and steel, which is welded using laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather, and it can be positioned on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and avoid drafts, then consider a cat door that has insulation features. This could be dual flaps, or a frame that is thermally efficient made from a material such as aluminum which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door equipped with these features.
A lot of modern cat doors that are made specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated frame that can withstand extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly and is made of an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for pets and the environment.
Even even if your cat flap is well-insulated however, cold air still flows through the gap between the door frame or window and the wall. This is because the flap itself causes draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what's called a draught-exclusion device that is placed around the flap's outside however it is important to keep in mind that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door with ease so that they can go in and out as they wish.
Installing a new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for colder weather, is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet doors feature an insulated, thicker door that blocks the conductive heating. It also has the ability to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like 40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be compared to double-pane windows, but at a fraction of the cost.