Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it can create draft. This is a problem that many cat owners experience.
A draught excluder can to reduce cold air coming into the home, but an animal flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps insulated and dog doors suitable for any kind of installation including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important aspects of the cat-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. There are many ways that insulation can be achieved however the most important thing is the material that the flap is constructed from.
A single flap will not make how much to install a cat flap difference in insulation, but doors that come with dual or triple flaps are much more insulated and will stop cold air entering the home. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to go around the frame and limit drafts. Be aware that these products will not prevent cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the gap left by your cat flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, and also reducing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat uses their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is vital that you measure the hole that your cat's flap has created and select a filler material that matches the material surrounding it.
A great option for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick, insulated seal that reduces heat loss. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better in insulating properties than the aluminum material used in the frames of other pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home if the flap is opened. Some manufacturers try to minimize this issue by adding what is known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. But, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to ensure that the door will seal properly when closed, and that there are no gaps where cold air can pass through.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to make sure your cat's flap remain shut against wind, however you should also take a look at the overall construction and materials used in a pet door. The best pet doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulate. They include thick PVC flaps and a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and prevent cold air from getting inside.
Look for a design with double-flaps, which can withstand both heat and cold and also high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap designs, but they are a great investment that will allow you to save on energy costs in the long in the long run. This is important if you reside in an area that has severe winters and harsh summers.
If you're considering purchasing a cat flap that is cold weather, check the reviews to see which models have the highest ratings and provide the most protection against the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a favorite because it provides excellent insulation and a tough flap, and an easy-to-install secure, safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers have praised its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold conditions, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is essential to decreasing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. In addition, some models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if you need to.
A strong magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a good cat flap should also be able to stand up to wind. You don't want your cat flap to be open by the wind during winter. This will allow cold air in your home and raise your heating costs. A good cat flap for cold weather will feature a strong 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.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps for cold weather available. This model is insulated in both the door and the frame to give the best amount of insulation. It also comes with an easy-to-close panel that can be slid in when the weather is bad to keep your pets safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to reduce conductive heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to make it strong and durable for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another ideal option for those who live in colder weather. It is constructed from aerospace quality aluminum alloy and metal steel, and welded together using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, and can be positioned on various wall materials. The double flaps provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door for additional protection against extreme weather.
The Design
When you are choosing a cat door to keep your home warm and draft free you should choose one with insulation features. This could be the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material such as aluminum which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that reduce energy loss and also prevent drafts. You can find doors that have these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
Many of the modern upvc cat flap door panels doors designed specifically for use in cold climates come with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has two flaps and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly as it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even the flap is insulated however, cold air still flows through the opening between the frame of the door or window and the wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by putting a draught-exclusion device around the outside of a flap. However, it is important to remember that your cat must be able to open and close the doors easily to allow them to be able to enter and exit the upvc door panels with cat flap 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 conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It can also withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection could be compared to double-pane windows, but at a fraction of the cost.