Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create an air draught when left open. This is a challenge that many cat owners experience.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the home. However, a cat flap offers greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that can be used for any type of installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects of the cat door is its insulation. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. There are fitting a cat flap in a upvc door number of ways in which insulation can be made, but the most important factor is the material the flap is constructed from.
Doors with double or triple flaps will provide more insulation and block cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the flap and help to reduce drafts. You should be aware that these products will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the area left by your cat flap with insulation like styrofoam. This can help prevent cold air from entering your home, as well as making it less noisy that is produced when your cat is using their pet door. If you decide to do this, you must measure the hole your cat flap created and select an appropriate filler to match the surrounding fabric.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick, insulated seal that reduces heat loss. It also has a durable magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000 times more insulating that the aluminum used in the frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home if the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate this issue by adding what are known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. However, if you are looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you must ensure that the door will seal properly when it is shut and that there are no gaps that cold air can get in.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to help your cat flap remain shut against the wind, but you should also take a look at the overall construction and materials that are used in the pet door. The best doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a frame that can resist temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will stop cold air from getting in and keep warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
Find a model with double-flaps, which can be able to withstand cold and heat and also high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap versions but they will save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important if reside in a region that experiences harsh winters and summers.
Read reviews before purchasing 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 upvc door panel with cat flap is a favorite because it provides excellent insulation and a tough flap, in addition to an easy-to-install, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers have praised its ability to resist cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to prevent energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is in the door. Some models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out, if needed.
A great cat flap should be able to resist wind and have a strong magnetic seal. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be blown open by the winds in winter. This can let cold air into your house and raise your heating costs. A good cold-weather cat flap will feature an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a majority of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
One of the top cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated in the door and frame to provide maximum insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that can be slid in when the weather is bad to keep your pets safe.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it durable and strong for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for cold weather. It is made from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality as well as steel, and is welded by using laser welding technology, which is used in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather, and it is able to be installed on a variety of wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it also comes with an option to tunnel the door cat flap insulation add to the door for more protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and avoid drafts, then look for a cat-friendly door with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame made from aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models have brushes that reduce energy loss and also prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door that has these features.
Many modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for use in cold climates, come with a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet upvc door panel with cat flap, for instance, comes with two flaps and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, assisting to keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also green and is made of a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated however, cold air still flows through the opening between the door frame or window and the existing wall. The flap creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what is known as a draught excluder which is placed around the flap's exterior however it is important to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and close the door without difficulty to allow them to go in and out as they wish.
A more effective solution is to install a new door specifically made for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. 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 also has the ability to endure extreme temperatures, such as temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but for a fraction of their price.