Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if left open. This is a problem many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, but a cat flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors suitable for any installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects of the cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but the material from which the flap is constructed is the most crucial.
Doors with triple or double flaps provide better insulation and stop cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to go around the frame to reduce drafts. But, you must bear in mind that these will not stop the cold air from getting in when your cat is using their door at the same simultaneously.
Fill in the area left by your cat's flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering into your home and will reduce the sound generated by your cat's pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital to measure the hole that your cat flap has created and choose 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 from Freedom Pet Pass. This door has an insulated, thick flap that is designed to limit the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a durable magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X more in insulating properties than the aluminum material used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened it creates a draft that means cold air can sneak into your home, even if the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening, which are brushes. If you are planning to use a cat flap for cold weather, ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps that cold air can enter.
You can help your cat keep the door shut against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. But, you should also consider the overall construction of a pet door and its materials. The best doors for pets in cold weather are made of materials that are insulate. They will have thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and block cold air from getting inside.
Look for a design with double-flaps that are able to stand up to cold and hot and high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap designs, but they are a good investment that can help you save on energy costs in the long term. This is particularly true when you reside in a region that experiences harsh winters or summers.
Check reviews before buying a cat flap that is cold-weather to determine which models have the best reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a well-loved choice due to its excellent insulation and a sturdy flap, and an easy-to-install and safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers praise its ability to resist cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a well closed cat flap is crucial to reduce energy loss. This is the reason why the best cat flap insulation is made with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Additionally, certain models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out, if needed.
A strong magnetic seal is vital in winter however, a good cat flap should also be able to stand up to wind. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by the winds in winter, since this will allow cold air to enter your home and increase your heating costs. A quality cold-weather model will come with a magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles an hour. A majority of these models also have insulation to stop loss of heat.
One of the top cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in the door and frame to provide maximum insulation. It comes with the Snap On closing panel which you can put into the door when the weather is cold to keep your pet indoors.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. upvc door panel replacement cat flap is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss through conduction and keep your house warm. Additionally, the frame is welded together with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet doors are a ideal option for those who live in colder weather. It is constructed of aerospace quality aluminum alloy and steel, which is welded with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to extreme weather conditions, and is able to be installed on various wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency, and it also comes with a tunnel kit you can add to the door for additional protection during severe weather.
The Design
When you are choosing a cat door that can keep your home warm and draft free you should look for one with insulation features. This could be a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame made from a material like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that block drafts and aid in reducing the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door equipped with these features.
Many of the modern cat doors that are designed specifically for use in cold climates have various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh 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 both your pets and planet.
Even if you've selected 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 can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what is called a draught excluder that is positioned around the outside of the flap however it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and close the door without difficulty to allow them to go into and out when they need to.
Installing a new pet door such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for colder weather, is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet doors feature an insulated, thicker door that reduces the heating that is conductive. It is also able to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.