Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat flap open, it could create a draft. This is a common issue that cat owners face.
A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the home, however a cat flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of a cat-door. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved through a variety of ways, but the material that the flap is made is the most crucial.
Doors with triple or double flaps offer more insulation and block cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to cover the frame to reduce 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.
Another option is to cover the space left behind by your cat's flap with some form of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from getting into your home, and also reduce the sound generated by your cat using their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital to gauge the hole that your cat flap has created and choose the filler material that is compatible with the material surrounding it.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick, insulated seal that reduces heat loss. It also has a durable magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000X more insulating that the aluminum used in the frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened, it creates a draft, which means that cold air can enter your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this issue by adding what are known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. If you want to make use of a cat flap in cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps through which allow cold air to enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a method to ensure that your cat's flap keep its seal against the wind, but you should also take a look at the overall structure and materials used in a pet door. The most effective doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to resist temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and prevent cold air from getting in.
It is also recommended to look for double-flap models that can resist both cold and heat, as well as high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap ones but they will help you save money on energy costs over time. This is especially important when you reside in a region that gets harsh winters or summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather to determine which models have the best reviews and provide 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 a simple to install, tamper proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with many customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind, while still allowing their cats to go in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to minimize energy loss. The best cat flap insulation features a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. In the original source , some models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
A strong magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather however, a great cat flap must also be able to resist the wind. You don't need your cat flap to be open by the wind in winter. This will let cold air into your house and increase your heating bills. A quality cold-weather model has an electronic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles an hour. A lot models also come with insulation to stop loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps designed for cold weather on the market. It is insulated in both the door and the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide into when the weather isn't great to keep your pets inside.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another great option. The door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to limit 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 great option for those who live in cold weather. It is constructed of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded with laser welding technology that is used in the automobile industry. Its design makes it resistant to harsh weather conditions and can be incorporated into a wide variety of wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for additional protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat-friendly door with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame made of aluminum which has less thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that block drafts and aid in reducing the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door with these features.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that can stand up to harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also eco-friendly since it is constructed of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for both your pets and planet.
Even the flap is well-insulated, you may find that cold air can still flow through the gap between the door frame or window and the wall. This is because the flap itself creates a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by putting a draught-exclusion device on the outside of the flap. However it is essential to remember that your cat should be able open and close the doors quickly so that they can move in and out as needed.
Installing an entirely new pet door, like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet door has a thicker, insulated flap that reduces conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It is also able to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but for a fraction of their price.