Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap could cause an air draught when left open. This is a challenge that many cat owners face.
A draught-exclusion device can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, however an animal flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important characteristics of a cat-door. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved through various ways but the material that the flap is constructed is the most crucial.
Doors with triple or double flaps will provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from entering your home. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the flap and reduce drafts. 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.
Fill in the area left by your cat's flap with insulation like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering into your home and will reduce the noise produced by your cat's pet door. If you choose to do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap created and select an appropriate filler to match the fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door features a thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit conductive heat loss. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. cat flap installers near me is 3,000X better in insulating properties than the aluminum material used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened and closed, it creates draft, which means that cold air can sneak into your home, even if the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening that are brushes. However, if you are looking for a truly cold cat flap insulation for the winter, you'll need to make sure that your door will seal properly when shut, and that there aren't gaps that cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to make sure your cat's flap stay shut against wind, however you should also look at the overall design and the materials employed in the construction of a pet door. The best pet doors for colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulate. They include thick PVC flaps and frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and block cold air from getting inside.
You should also look for a double-flap design that can be able to withstand heat and cold, as well as high winds. They will cost more than single-flap designs, but they are a good investment that will allow you to save on energy costs in the long term. This is particularly important if reside in an area that has extreme summers and winters.
Check reviews before buying a cold-weather cat flap to determine which models have the most favorable reviews 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 sturdy flap, as well as an easy-to-install, 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 enter and exit without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder temperatures, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is crucial to decreasing energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is made with a magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door shut, even when your pet is inside the room. Additionally, certain models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if necessary.
A high-quality cat flap must be able to resist winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't need your cat flap to be blown wide open by the wind in winter. This will let cold air in your home and increase your heating bill. A quality cold-weather model has an electronic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles an hour. A lot models also have insulation to help prevent loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps for colder weather on the market. The model is insulated in the door and frame to provide the highest level of 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 safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it durable and strong for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option for cold weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal and is welded with laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to extreme weather conditions, and is able to be installed on different 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 extra protection during severe weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat door that is insulated. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame made from aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that block drafts and reduce the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door with these features.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed for cold climates, are equipped with several insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system as well as an insulated framework that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also eco-friendly, as it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for both your pet and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is insulated however, cold air can still pass through the gap between the frame of your door or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder around the outside of a flap. However it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the doors quickly to allow them to be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
The most effective option is to install a brand new door that is specifically designed for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense that reduces heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It is also able to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be comparable to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.