Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you keep your cat's flap open, it could create a draft. This is a problem many cat owners experience.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house. However an animal flap will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of insulated cat flaps and dog doors suitable for any installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be accomplished in various ways however the material from which the flap is made is the most crucial.
A single flap will not make much difference in insulation, but doors that come with triple or double flaps are much more insulated and will stop cold air getting into the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to wrap around the frame and limit drafts. You should be aware that they will not prevent cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the area left by your cat's flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home, as well as decreasing the amount of noise that occurs when your cat opens their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is crucial to gauge the hole that your cat's flap has created and select a filler material that is in line with the surrounding material.
The RANGER pet entry door from Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for a high-quality cat flap. The door has a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has magnetic seals that block cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000 times more efficient at insulating than aluminum frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened and closed, it creates draft that means cold air can sneak into your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers try to minimize the risk of this by incorporating what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you plan 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 way to help your cat flap keep its seal against wind, but you must also consider the overall construction and materials that are used in the pet door. The best cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that is able to stand up to temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from getting in and keeps warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
Find a model with double-flaps that can withstand both heat and cold, as well high winds. These models are more expensive than single-flap versions however they can save you money on energy bills over time. This is especially important for those who live in an area which experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to see which models have the best reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a popular choice due to its excellent insulation and a durable flap, in addition to an easy-to-install secure, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option, with numerous customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while still allowing their cats to enter and exit easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to reduce energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation comes with a magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is in it. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when required.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for cold weather however, a good cat flap also needs to be able to withstand wind. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by the winds in winter, since this could allow cold air into your home and increase the cost of heating. A good model for cold weather will have an electronic seal that can withstand wind speeds that exceed 50 miles an hour. Many models also come with insulation to prevent loss of heat.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps available 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 comes with 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 using thick celluloid PVC to help reduce heat loss through conduction and keep your house warm. Additionally, the frame is welded using the latest technology in the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality as well as steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it impervious to extreme weather conditions and can be installed in many wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the door to give it extra protection against extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, look for a cat-friendly door that is insulated. This could be a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a substance like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models have 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.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors designed specifically for use in cold climates come with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. cat flap fitters is also eco-friendly because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated it is possible that cold air still flows through the opening between the door frame or window and the existing wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize the draught by putting a draught excluder on the outside of the flap. However it is essential to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able open and close the doors easily so that they can be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
The most effective option is to install a new door that is specifically designed for colder weather, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors feature an insulated, thicker door that cuts down on the conductive heating. It also has the ability to endure extreme temperatures, such as 40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be compared to double-pane windows, but at less cost.