Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause a draught if left open. This is a problem that many cat owners experience.
A draught excluder can help cut down the amount of cold air that is able to enter the house. However the cat flap will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that are suitable for any kind of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important features of the cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a number of ways that insulation can be created but the most important is the material that the flap is made from.
A single flap won't do much in terms of insulation for your home, but doors that come with dual or triple flaps are far more insulated and stop cold air from entering the house. You can also purchase draught-excluders to go around the frame to reduce drafts. However, you need to bear in mind that these will not stop the cold air from getting in when your cat is trying to use their replacement upvc door panel with cat flap at the same at the same time.
Another option is to cover the area left behind by your cat flap fitters's flap some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from getting into your home and will reduce the noise generated by your cat using their pet replacement upvc door panel with cat flap. It is important to note that if you decide to do this, it is crucial to measure the hole that your cat's flap has made and select the filler material that is compatible with the material surrounding it.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for an excellent cat flap. The door is constructed with an insulated, thick flap that is designed to minimize the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000X more efficient at insulating than aluminum used in the frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
If a cat flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home if the flap is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate the risk of this by incorporating what is known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you plan to make use of a cat flap in cold weather, you should ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps that let cold air in.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap remain shut against the wind, but you must also consider the overall construction and materials used in a pet door. The best doors for pets in colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulating. These include thick PVC flaps, as well as a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from getting in and keeps warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option.
Find a model with double-flaps that are able to be able to withstand cold and heat and high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap models, but they are a good investment that will allow you to save money on energy costs in the long term. This is particularly important if you live in an area that gets severe winters or harsh summers.
If you're considering purchasing a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to see which models have the highest ratings and provide the best protection against the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice due to its excellent insulation and a durable flap, in addition to an easy-to-install, safe from tampering. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent option, with numerous customers praising its ability to resist extreme cold and wind while still offering the ability for their cats to enter and exit without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold temperatures, a cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to reducing energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with an magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door shut, even when your pet is in the door. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when needed.
A strong magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather, but a good cat flap also needs to be able to resist the wind. You don't want your cat flap to be open by the wind in winter. This can let cold air into your house and increase your heating bills. A good model for cold weather has a magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles an hour. A majority models also come with insulation to stop heat loss.
One of the most effective cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It 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 you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets indoors.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another excellent option. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to make it strong and durable for Cat Flaps harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another excellent option for cold weather. It is constructed from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality as well as steel, which is welded with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather, and it is able to be installed on different wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door for additional protection against extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and Cat flaps avoid drafts, then look for a cat door that is insulated. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame constructed of aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and reduce the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door that has these features.
Many modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with two flaps and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping to prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly since it is constructed of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for both your pets and the environment.
Even if you've chosen an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air can pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your existing wall or window. This is because the flap itself produces an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's called a draught-exclusion device that is placed on the outside of the flap, but it is important to remember that your cat will need to be able to open and close the door with ease so that they can get in and out as they wish.
A more effective solution is to put in a new door specifically designed for colder conditions, such as the RANGER pet back door with cat flap fitted from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors feature an insulated, thicker upvc door panel with cat flap fitted that reduces the heating that is conductive. It is also able to endure extreme temperatures, such as temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at less cost.