Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if left open. This is a problem many cat owners experience.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the house. However the cat flap can provide better protection against the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for all types of installations including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of the cat door is its insulation. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. There are many ways that insulation can be made but the most important is the material the flap is made from.
Doors with triple or double flaps offer greater insulation and prevent cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught excluders that go around the frame of the cat flap and reduce drafts. Be aware that these will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the gap left by your cat flap with insulation like styrofoam. This will help to stop cold air from entering your home, and also reducing the amount of noise generated when your cat uses their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital to measure the hole your cat's flap has created and choose 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 is constructed with a thick, insulated flap that is designed to minimize the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a strong magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better insulation than the aluminum used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home when the flap is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate this problem by adding what are known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. But, if you're looking for a truly cold cat flap insulation for the winter, you must ensure that the door will seal properly when it is shut and that there aren't gaps where cold air can pass through.
You can make sure that your cat's shut the door against winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. However, you must also consider the overall construction of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best doors for pets in cold weather are made of materials that are insulating. They will have thick PVC flaps and frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be an enormous energy saver.
It is also recommended to look for double-flap models that can stand up to heat and cold and high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap models however they can save you money on energy costs over time. This is particularly true if you live in an area that experiences extreme summers or winters.
Read reviews before purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to see which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a favorite because it provides excellent insulation and a sturdy flap, in addition to an easy-to-install, safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder temperatures, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is essential to reducing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is made with a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door closed, even when your pet is in it. Additionally, certain models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
A great cat flap should be able resist winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't want the 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 quality cold-weather model will have magnetic seals that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles an hour. A lot of these models also come with insulation to prevent heat loss.
One of the most effective cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in the frame and the door to provide the highest level of insulation. It also comes with an easy-to-close panel that you can slide in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic alternative. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to make it durable and strong for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for colder weather. It is constructed from aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and steel, and is welded by using laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it impervious 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 fitted to the door to give it extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm and prevent drafts from entering, consider a cat door that is insulated. This could include the 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 come with brushes that reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door that has these features.
Many of the modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates are equipped with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand the harshest weather conditions, helping stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also environmentally friendly and is made of a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated it is possible that cold air still flows through the gap between the door frame or window and the wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what is known as a draught excluder which is placed around the flap's outside however, it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the door without difficulty so that they can get in and out as they wish.
Installing upvc door panel cat flap like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for cold weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet doors have a thicker, insulated door that reduces conductive heating. It also has the ability to withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, however at a fraction of the cost.