Choosing Cat Flap Insulation

If you leave your cat flap open, it could create draft. This is a frequent issue experienced by cat owners.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air entering the home. However an animal flap can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that work for any type of installation that include wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of the cat-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved in a variety of ways but the material from which the flap is made is the most important.
Doors with triple or double flaps will provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and reduce drafts. 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 fill in the space left behind by your cat's flap with some form of insulation like styrofoam. This can help prevent cold air from entering your home, as well as making it less noisy that occurs when your cat opens their pet door. If you do this, you need to take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap made and select a filler that matches the surrounding fabric.
A great option for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door has an insulated, thick flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000 times more in insulating properties than the aluminum material used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air may still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate this issue by adding what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. 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. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of the pet-door as well as its materials. The most effective cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can stand up to temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and stop cold air from entering.
It is also recommended to look for double-flap models that can stand up to heat and cold, as well as high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap models but they will help you save money on energy costs over time. This is particularly true when you live in an area that experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
If you're thinking of buying a winter cat flap look over the reviews to see which models have the highest ratings and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and a simple to install secure, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers have praised its ability to withstand cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to reduce energy loss. The best cat flap insulation comes with the magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door shut, even when your pet is in the room. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather however, a good cat flap should also be able to withstand the wind. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be blown wide open by the winds in winter. This can let cold air into your house and raise your heating costs. A good cat flap for cold weather will feature a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour and a majority of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
One of the best cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door and the frame to give the best amount of insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets inside.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another great option. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it durable and strong for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for cold weather. It is constructed of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and metal and is welded with laser welding technology used in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather conditions and can be installed on a variety of 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 against extreme weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door that will keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should choose one with insulation features. upvc door panels with cat flap could be dual flaps, or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a material like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help to 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 modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for cold climates, have a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system as well as an insulated framework that can stand up to extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly as it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for your pets and planet.
Even if you've 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 the window or wall. This is because the flap itself causes a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what's called a draught-exclusion device that is placed around the flap's exterior, but it is important to remember that your cat will need to be able to open and close the door with ease so that they can go in and out as needed.
Installing an entirely new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet door has a thicker, insulated flap which helps reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It is also able to endure extreme temperatures, such as temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at only a fraction of the cost.