Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it can create draft. This is a challenge that many cat owners experience.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air entering the house. However, a cat flap offers more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for all kinds of installations including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of the cat door is its insulation. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be made however the most important thing is the material the flap is made of.
Doors with double or triple flaps offer better insulation and stop cold air from getting into your home. You can also buy draught excluders that go around the frame of the cat flap and help to reduce drafts. However, it is important to be aware that these won't stop the cold air from getting in if your cat is using their door at the same simultaneously.
Another option is to fill in the space left behind by your cat's flap some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from getting into your home and reduce the noise generated by your cat's pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is essential that you measure the hole your cat's flap has created and choose a filler material that is in line with the material surrounding it.
A great choice for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door has a thick, insulated seal that reduces the loss of heat. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating that the aluminum frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened and closed, it creates draft that means cold air can sneak into your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening that are brushes. However, if you are searching for a true cold cat flap insulation for the winter, you must ensure that the door is sealed tightly when closed, and that there are no gaps through which cold air can enter.
It is possible to help your cat's door stay closed against the wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of a pet door and its materials. The best pet doors for cold weather will be made of materials that are insulation. They include thick PVC flaps, and frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and stop cold air from entering.
It is also recommended to look for a double-flap design that can resist both cold and heat and high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap versions, but they can help you save money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important if reside in a region that experiences severe winters and harsh summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather to see which models have the most favorable reviews and offer the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it comes with a sturdy flap and an easy-to install and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent choice, with a lot of customers praising its ability to resist extreme cold and wind, while still offering the ability for their cats to move in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder weather, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is essential to reducing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. In Repair My Windows And Doors , some models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a great cat flap also needs to be able to withstand winds. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by wind during winter, as it will let cold air into your home and increase your heating costs. A good cat flap for cold weather will be sealed with a strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour and many of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
One of the most effective cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets indoors.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another great alternative. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss through conduction and keep your house warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another ideal option for those who live in colder weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded with laser welding technology used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it resistant to harsh weather conditions and can be incorporated into many wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door to provide extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and keep out drafts, look for a cat door that is insulated. This could include a dual flap system, or a frame that is thermally efficient made from a material such as aluminum which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that block drafts and help to reduce energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door that has these features.
Many modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for use in cold climates, have a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, assisting to prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly and is made of an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pets and the planet.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap, you might find that cold air is able to be able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your window or wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by providing what is called a draught-exclusion device that is placed around the outside of the flap, but it is important to remember that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door without difficulty so that they can get into and out when they need to.
Installing an entirely new pet door, like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for colder weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet door has an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense which helps reduce conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It also has the ability to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but for a fraction of their price.