Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if it's left open. This is a frequent issue that cat owners face.
A draught excluder can help to reduce cold air coming into the home, however an animal flap that is insulated will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a range of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that can be used for any type of installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be created but the most important is the material that the flap is constructed from.
Doors with triple or double flaps offer better insulation and stop cold air from entering your home. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and help reduce drafts. However, you need to keep in mind that they will not prevent the cold air from getting in when your cat is attempting to use their door at the same time.
Another option is to cover the area left behind by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering into your home and will reduce the noise produced by your cat when they use their pet door. If you choose to do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap made and select an appropriate filler to match the fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to minimize conductive heat loss. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000 times more efficient at insulating than aluminum frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
If a cat flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home when the flap is opened. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening that are brushes. If you want to make use of a cat flap in cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps through which cold air can enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a method to ensure that your cat's flap stay shut against wind, however you should also take a look at the overall construction and materials used in the construction of a pet door. The best doors for cold weather will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to resist temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and prevent cold air from getting in.
Look for a design with double-flaps, which can stand up to cold and hot and also high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap models, but they are a good investment that will allow you to reduce your energy bills in the long run. This is particularly important when you reside in a region that experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
If you're considering purchasing a winter cat flap look over the reviews to determine which ones are the most well-reviewed and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and an easy-to install, tamper proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. cat flap fitting near me of its customers appreciate its ability to resist the elements of wind and cold without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to reduce energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is designed with a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door closed, even when your pet is in the room. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if needed.
A good cat flap must be able to withstand winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by wind in winter, because this will allow cold air into your home and increase your heating costs. A good cat flap for cold weather will be sealed with an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour and many of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps for cold temperatures available. It is insulated in both the door and frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another great option. This door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to reduce conductive heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is welded together using the latest technology in the automotive industry to make it strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet doors are a ideal option for those who live in colder weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded with laser welding technology that is used in the automobile industry. Its design is impervious to extreme weather conditions, and can be installed on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for extra protection during severe weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat door that has insulation features. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame constructed of aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help to reduce energy loss and also prevent drafts. You can find doors that have these features by searching for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors designed specifically for use in cold climates have various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system as well as an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping to keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly, as it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for both your pet and the planet.
Even if you've chosen an insulated cat flap, you might find that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the frame of your door and the wall or window. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what's called a draught-exclusion device that is placed on the flap's outside, but it is important to remember that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door without difficulty so that they can go in and out as they wish.
Installing an entirely new pet door, like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for colder weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet door comes with a thicker, insulated flap that helps to reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It also has the ability to withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This degree of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at a fraction of the cost.