Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause a draught if left open. This is a challenge that many cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home. However, a cat flap will offer better protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that work for all types of installations including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a number of ways that insulation can be created, but the most important thing is the material the flap is made from.
A single flap will not make much difference in insulation But doors with dual or triple flaps are far more insulated and will prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also purchase draught-excluders to wrap around the frame and reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
Another option is to cover the space left by your cat flap with some form of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will help to stop cold air from entering your home, while also making it less noisy generated when your cat uses their pet door. If you decide to do this, you should take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap created and select an appropriate filler to match the fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a strong magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000 times more insulating that the aluminum used in the frames of pet doors that are inferior.
window cat flap
When a cat flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home if the flap is opened. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening which are essentially brushes. If you are planning to make use of a cat flap in cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps where cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap remain shut against wind, however you should also look at the overall design and the materials that are used in the construction of a pet door. The best pet doors for cold weather will be made of materials that are insulating. These include thick PVC flaps and a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from getting in and keeps warm air out, which is an energy-efficient option.
You should also look for double-flap designs that are able to be able to withstand heat and cold, as well as high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap models, however they are a good investment that will allow you to save money on energy costs in the long term. This is especially important if you live somewhere that has extreme summers and winters.
If you're thinking of buying a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to see which models are the best-reviewed and provide the most protection against the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice because it provides excellent insulation and a tough flap, in addition to an easy-to-install, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many customers have praised its ability to withstand cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder conditions, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is the key to cutting down on energy loss. The best cat flap insulation has the magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside it. Additionally, certain models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if you need to.
A high-quality cat flap must be able resist winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't need your cat flap to be open by the winds in winter. This will let cold air in your home and raise your heating costs. A good cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and many of these models are also insulated to reduce heat loss through the door.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for cold temperatures available. It is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to give the best amount of insulation. It includes the Snap On closing panel which you can slide into the door if the weather is bad in order to keep your pet inside.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to reduce conductive heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to make it strong and durable for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for colder weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal and is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automobile industry. Its design is impervious to harsh weather, and it can be installed on different wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency, and it has an option to tunnel the door add to the door for extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and avoid drafts, then look for a cat-friendly door with insulation features. This could be the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material like aluminum that is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. You can locate doors with these features by looking for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for cold climates, are equipped with a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has a dual flap system and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping to prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly, being made from an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the environment.
Even even if your cat flap is well-insulated it is possible that cold air still flows through the gap between the frame of the door or window and the existing wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is positioned around the flap's exterior, but it is important to remember that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease so that they can get in and out as needed.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a new door specifically designed for cold weather, like the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors feature a thicker, insulated door that reduces conductive heating. It is also able to withstand extreme temperatures, including 40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at less cost.