Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat flap install's flap open, it can create draft. This is a challenge that many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can help to reduce cold air coming into the home, but the cat flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that are suitable for any type of installation including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of a cat flap installation cost-door. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved in many ways however the material from which the flap is made is the most important.
Doors with double or triple flaps offer more insulation and block cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught excluders that fit around the frame of the cat flap and help reduce drafts. However, you need to be aware that they will not prevent the cold air from getting in if your cat is trying to use their door at the same at the same time.
Fill in the gap left by your cat flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home, while also decreasing the amount of noise that occurs when your cat opens their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is essential to measure the hole that your cat flap has created and select a filler material that matches the material surrounding it.
A great option for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an insulated, thick flap that is designed to reduce conductive heat loss. It also has magnetic seals that block cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000 times more in insulating properties than the aluminum used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home if the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce the risk of this by incorporating what is known as draught excluders which are essentially brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. However, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you must ensure that the door is sealed tightly when closed and that there are no gaps through which cold air can get in.
It is possible to help your cat's shut the door against wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you should take into consideration the overall design of a pet door and its materials. The best pet doors for colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulate. These include thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from leaking in and keeps warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
You should also look for double-flap designs that are able to be able to withstand heat and cold, as well as high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, however they are a good investment that will allow you to save money on energy costs in the long run. This is important if you reside in an area that has extreme summers and winters.
Read reviews before purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to see which models have the highest reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather fitting cat flap in upvc door panel Door is a popular choice because it offers great insulation and a tough flap, in addition to an easy-to-install secure, safe from tampering. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different choice, with a lot of customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind, while still offering the ability for their cats to move in and out without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to reduce energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is made with an magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if necessary.
A great cat flap should be able resist winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as this could allow cold air into your home and increase the cost of heating. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will have a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a majority of these models are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
One of the most effective cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated in the door and frame to ensure maximum insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets indoors.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using technology used in automotive manufacturing to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another excellent option for cold weather. It is constructed of aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and steel, and 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 incorporated into a wide variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency and it has a tunnel kit you can add to the door for additional protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, look for a cat door that has insulation features. This could be dual flaps, or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a material like aluminum that is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that prevent drafts and reduce energy loss. You can find doors with these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
A lot of modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates come with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has a dual flap system and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, assisting to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly, because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for both your pets and planet.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap you might find that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the door frame and your existing wall or window. This is because the flap itself creates fitting a cat flap draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by providing what is called a draught excluder that is placed around the outside of the flap, but it is important to keep in mind that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door with ease to allow them to go in and out as they wish.
Installing a new pet door like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet doors feature a thicker, insulated door that blocks the heating that is conductive. It can also endure extreme temperatures, such as -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but for a fraction of their price.