Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if it's left open. This is a challenge that many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the home, however the cat flap that is insulated can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps insulated and dog doors suitable for any kind of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important characteristics of the cat-door. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be achieved in a variety of ways but the material that the flap is constructed is the most crucial.
A single flap won't do much in terms of insulation for your home, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are more efficient in insulation and will prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also purchase draft excluders that go around the frame of the cat flap and help reduce drafts. You should be aware that these will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door for your cat.
Another alternative is to fill the space left by your cat's flap with some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from getting into your home and will reduce the sound generated by your cat flap installer near me using their pet door. If you decide to do this, you need to take a measurement of the hole your cat flap Step's flap created and select a filler that is compatible with the fabric.
A great choice for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door features an insulated, thick flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has magnetic seals that block cold air or wind from entering through wall cat flap the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000 times more in insulating properties than the aluminum 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 opened. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening which are essentially brushes. If you want to use a cat flap to combat cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps that cold air can enter.
You can help your cat door stay closed against the wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of the pet-door as well as its materials. The most effective doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that can stand up to temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This keeps warm air out and prevent cold air from getting inside.
You should also look for a double-flap design that can stand up to heat and cold and high winds. These models are more expensive than single-flap models however they can help you save money on energy costs over time. This is especially important if you live somewhere that has severe winters and harsh summers.
If you're considering purchasing a cold weather cat flap, check the reviews to see which ones are the most well-reviewed and offer the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a favorite because it offers great insulation and a durable flap, as well as an easy-to-install and safe from tampering. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option, with many customers praise its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while providing the ability for their cats to move in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In colder conditions, a cat flap that seals tightly is the key to reducing energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation comes with the magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when required.
A strong magnetic seal is crucial for winter, but a good cat flap must also be able to withstand winds. You don't want your cat flap to be open by the wind during winter. This can let cold air in to your home and increase your heating bill. A good model for cold weather will have an electronic seal that can withstand winds of that exceed 50 miles an hour. Many of these models also have insulation to prevent heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps for cold temperatures available. The model is insulated inside both the door and frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets inside.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The replacement upvc door panels with cat flap is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another excellent choice for cold weather. It is constructed of aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to harsh weather, and it is able to be installed on a variety of wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the replacement upvc door panels with cat flap for additional protection in extreme weather.
The Design
When you are choosing a cat door to keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should look for one with insulation features. This could be the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a substance like aluminum, which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that prevent drafts and aid in reducing energy loss. You can find doors that have these features by looking for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Many modern cat doors, specifically designed for cold climates, have various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly, being made from an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pet 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 frame of your door and the wall or window. This is because the flap itself produces draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is placed around the flap's exterior however it is important to remember that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door easily to allow them to go in and out as needed.
The most effective option is to install a new door specifically designed for cold weather, like the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors come with an insulated, thicker door that cuts down on conductive heating. It can also withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This degree of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at less cost.