Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it can create draft. This is a common issue encountered by cat owners.
A draught excluder can help cut down the amount of cold air that is able to enter the home. However an animal flap can provide better protection against the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that work for all kinds of installations including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important aspects of a cat-door. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. There are a number of ways that insulation can be made, but the most important is the material that the flap is constructed from.
A single flap will not make much difference in insulation for your home, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are much more insulated and stop cold air from entering the home. You can also purchase draught-excluders to wrap around the frame and reduce drafts. Be aware that these products will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Another option is to cover the space left behind by your cat flap with some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering into your home and reduce the noise produced by your cat's pet door. If you choose to do this, you must take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap created and select a filler that is compatible with the surrounding fabric.
A great option for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door comes with a strong sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X more insulation than the aluminum used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air may still get into your home even though the flap is opened. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors include draught-excluders in the flap opening which are essentially brushes. If you plan to use a cat flap for colder weather, make sure your door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps where cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to help your cat flap remain shut against wind, but you must also consider the overall design and the materials that are used in the construction of a pet door. The best pet doors for cold weather will be made of materials that are insulate. These include thick PVC flaps and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
Find a model with double-flaps that are able to stand up to cold and hot and also high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap ones but they will save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important for those who reside in a region which experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to determine which models have the best reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a popular choice due to its excellent insulation and a durable flap, in addition to an easy-to-install and safe from tampering. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different choice, with a lot of customers praising its ability to resist extreme wind and cold while still offering the ability for their cats to go in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to minimize energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation comes with a magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door closed when your pet is inside. In addition, some models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out, if needed.
A great cat flap should be able resist the wind and be secured with a magnetic seal. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as this will allow cold air into your home, which will increase your heating bill. A good model for cold weather will have a magnetic seal that can withstand wind speeds that exceed 50 miles an hour. A majority models also come with insulation to help prevent heat loss.
One of the top cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It is equipped with a Snap On closing panel which you can put into the door when the weather is not ideal to keep your pet indoors.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another great option. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your house warm. The frame is welded together with the help of technology from the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for colder weather. It is constructed of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded using laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automobile industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather, and it can be positioned on various wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door to provide extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm and avoid drafts, then look for a cat-friendly door that is insulated. This could be the dual flap system or a frame that is thermally efficient made from a material like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that prevent drafts and reduce energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door that has these features.
A lot of modern cat doors that are made specifically for cold climates have an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping to keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly, since it is constructed of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for both your pet and the planet.
Even if you've chosen an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air is able to be able to pass through the gap between the door frame and the window or wall. This is because the flap itself creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what is known as a draught excluder which is placed on the outside of the flap, but it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the door with ease so that they can go in and out as they wish.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a brand new door that has been specifically designed for colder weather, like the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, more insulated flap that reduces the conductive heat by reducing amount of energy lost through the material. It is also able to endure extreme temperatures, such as 40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows, however for a fraction of their cost.