Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a common problem experienced by cat owners.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the house. However an animal flap can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of cat flaps insulated and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm in. There are many ways in which insulation can be achieved but the most important is the material that the flap is constructed from.
A single flap won't do much in terms of insulating your home But doors with dual or triple flaps are much more insulated and stop cold air from entering the home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to cover the frame and limit drafts. Be aware that they will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Fill in the space left by your cat's flap with insulation like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from getting into your home and reduce the noise generated by your cat's pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is vital to gauge the hole that your cat's flap has made and select a filler material that is in line with the surrounding material.
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 comes with a strong sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000 times more efficient at insulating than aluminum frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened, it creates a draft that means cold air can sneak into your home, even if the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening that are brushes. But, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation you will need to ensure that your door can seal tightly when shut and that there aren't gaps through which cold air can pass through.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap keep its seal against wind, however you must also consider the overall design and the materials that are used in a pet door. The best pet doors for cold weather will be made of materials that are insulating. They include 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 in.
You should also consider 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 can save you money on energy bills over time. This is especially important if you reside in a region that experiences extreme summers or winters.
If you are considering buying a winter cat flap read the reviews to determine which ones are the most well-reviewed and provide the best 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. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers praise its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to reduce energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is designed with an magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside the room. Additionally, certain models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if you need to.
A great cat flap should be able to withstand winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't want your cat flap fitters door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as this could allow cold air to enter your home, which will increase your heating costs. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour and a lot of them are also insulated to reduce heat loss through the door.
One of the top cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated both inside the frame and in the door to provide the highest level of insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide into when the weather is bad to keep your pets inside.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction 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 doors are another excellent option for cold weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded using laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automobile industry. Its design makes it impervious to harsh weather conditions and can be used in various wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with a tunnel kit you can add to the door for more protection during severe weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door that can keep your home warm and draft free you should look for one with insulation features. It could be fitting a cat flap in a upvc door dual-flap system or a frame made of aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help to reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. You can find doors with these features by searching for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
Many of the modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system and an insulated frame that can endure harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also environmentally friendly and is made of an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if you've chosen an insulated cat flap you may still find that cold air is able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your window or wall. This is because the flap itself produces draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize the draught by putting a draught excluder around the outside of a flap. However, it is important to remember that your fitting cat flap in upvc door panel needs to be able to open and shut the doors quickly to allow them to be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
Installing a new pet door like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for cold weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, insulated flap which helps reduce the conductive heat by reducing amount of energy that is lost through the material. It also has the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, including -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be similar to double-pane windows but at a fraction of the cost.
