Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap could cause an air draught when left open. This is a challenge that many cat flap installation near me owners experience.
A draught excluder can help cut down the amount of cold air that enters the home. However, a cat flap can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of dog doors that are insulated and cat flaps that are suitable for any type of installation including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of a cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a variety of ways that insulation can be created however the most important is the material the flap is constructed from.
Doors with double or triple flaps offer more insulation and block cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draft excluders that fit around the frame of the flap and help to reduce drafts. However, you need to bear in mind that these will not stop the cold air from getting in if your cat flap installer is attempting to use their door at the same time.
Another alternative is to fill the space left behind by your cat flap with some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from getting into your home and reduce the sound generated by your cat when they use their pet door. It is important to note that if you choose to do this, it is vital that you measure the hole that your cat flap has created and choose a filler material that matches the surrounding material.
A great option for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick and insulated seal, which reduces the loss of heat. It also has a durable magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000 times more in insulating properties than the aluminum material used in the frames of other pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened it creates a draft which means cold air can sneak into your home even though the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening, which are brushes. However, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and that there aren't gaps where cold air can pass through.
A solid magnetic seal is a method to ensure that your cat's flap keep its seal against the wind, but you should also take a look at the overall structure and materials that are used in the pet door. The most effective cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that is able to stand up to temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from getting in and keeps warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
Find a model with double-flaps that are able to withstand both heat and cold and also high winds. These models are more expensive than single-flap models however they can save you money on energy costs over time. This is particularly important for those who live in an area which experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
Check reviews before buying a cold-weather cat flap to see which models have the highest reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a popular choice because it provides excellent insulation and a durable flap, as well as an easy-to-install secure, 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 cold and wind, while still allowing their cats to enter and exit without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to reduce energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is designed with an magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if needed.
A high-quality 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 winds in winter, since this will allow cold air into your home, which will increase the cost of heating. A quality cold-weather model will have an electronic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour. A lot of these models also come with insulation to help prevent heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps for cold weather on the market. It is insulated in the frame and the door to provide maximum insulation. It also comes with an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets inside.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another excellent alternative. The door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. In addition, the frame is welded together with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and metal steel, and is welded with laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it resistant to harsh weather conditions and can be installed in many 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 more protection in extreme weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door that can keep your home warm and draft free it is recommended to choose a door with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame constructed of aluminum which has less thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help to reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door equipped with these features.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors that are designed specifically for cold climates are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system as well as an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also environmentally friendly, because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for your pets and planet.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated it is possible that cold air can still pass through the opening between the frame of the door or window cat flap and the wall. This is because the flap itself produces an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by providing what is called a draught-exclusion device that is placed on 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 so that they can go into and out when they need to.
Installing a new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER, that is designed specifically for cold weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet doors come with an insulated, thicker door that reduces the conductive heating. It also has the ability to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but for a fraction of their price.