Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you keep your cat's flap open, it could create draft. This is a common issue encountered by cat owners.
A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the house, but the 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 all types of installations including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important features of a cat-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved in many ways but the material that the flap is made is the most crucial.
Doors with double or triple flaps will provide better insulation and stop cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draft restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and reduce drafts. However, you need to bear in mind that these won't stop the cold air from getting in the room if your cat is using their door at the same at the same time.
Another option is to fill in the space left by your cat's flap some form of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will keep cold air out of your home, and also reducing the amount of noise that occurs 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 has created and choose a filler that matches the fabric.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for high-quality cat flap. The door features an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to minimize conductive heat loss. It also has a durable 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 material that is used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
If a cat flap is closed, cold air may still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what is known as draught excluders which are essentially brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. If you want to use a cat flap to combat cold weather, you should ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps that cold air can enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to help your cat flap stay shut against wind, however you should also look at the overall construction and materials employed in the pet door. The best doors for pets in cold weather are made of materials that are insulate. They include thick PVC flaps, and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and prevent cold air from entering.
Choose a model with double-flaps that are able to withstand both heat and cold and also high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap versions, but they can help you save money on energy costs over time. This is particularly important when you reside in a region which experiences harsh winters or summers.
Check reviews before buying 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 that is easy to install and has a and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with numerous customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while providing the ability for their cats to go in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder conditions, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is the key to reducing energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation comes with a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door closed, even when your pet is in the door. Additionally, certain models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out, if needed.
A great cat flap should be able resist wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by the wind in winter, because it will let cold air into your home, which will increase your heating bill. cat flap fitting -weather model will have magnetic seals that can withstand wind speeds that exceed 50 miles an hour. Many of these models also come with insulation to help prevent heat loss.
One of the most effective cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door as well as the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It is equipped with the Snap On closing panel which you can slide into the door when weather is cold to keep your pet safe.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to minimize the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your house warm. The frame is welded using technology from the automotive industry to make it strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet door is another excellent choice for colder weather. It is constructed from aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and metal steel, which is welded using laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather conditions and can be used in various wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it has tunnel kits that you can add to the door for more protection in 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. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame constructed of aluminum which has less thermal conduction than PVC or Plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help to reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door that has these features.
A lot of modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates come with a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features two flaps and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand the harshest weather conditions, assisting to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly and is made of a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap you might still notice that cold air can traverse the gap between the door frame and your existing window or wall. This is because the flap itself causes a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce the draught by putting a draught excluder on the outside of the flap. However it is essential to remember that your cat must be able open and close the doors without difficulty so that they can be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
An alternative that is more efficient is to put in a new door specifically designed for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors come with a thicker, insulated door that reduces conductive heating. It is also able to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows but for a fraction of their cost.