Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it may create draft. cat flap fitting is a frequent issue experienced by cat owners.
A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the house. However, a cat flap will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of the cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm in. There are a variety of ways in which insulation can be achieved but the most important thing is the material that the flap is constructed from.
A single flap won't do much in terms of insulation for your home However, doors with triple or double flaps are much more insulated and will prevent cold air from entering the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to go around the frame to reduce drafts. However, it is important to keep in mind that they will not prevent cold air from entering the room if your cat is attempting to use their door at the same at the same time.
Fill in the area left by your cat flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering into your home and reduce the noise generated by your cat using their pet door. If you do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap made and select a filler that matches the surrounding fabric.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for a high-quality cat flap. This door has an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to minimize conductive heat loss. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000X more insulating that the aluminum used in the frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home when the flap is opened. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening which are essentially brushes. But, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you must ensure that the door is sealed tightly when shut, and that there aren't gaps where cold air can enter.
You can help your cat door stay closed against the winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of a pet-door and its materials. The best cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps and a frame that can resist temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from getting in and keeps warm air out, which is an energy-efficient option.
Look for a design with double-flaps that can be able to withstand cold and heat and also high winds. These are more expensive than single-flap models, but they can help you save money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important if reside in an area that has extreme summers and winters.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to see which models have the highest reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a favorite because it offers great insulation and a durable flap, and an easy-to-install and safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many customers have praised its ability to withstand cold and wind without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to prevent energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation features an opening with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out, if needed.
A good cat flap must be able to resist winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be blown wide open by the winds in winter. This will allow cold air into your house and raise your heating costs. A good cat flap for cold weather will be sealed with a strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a lot of them are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
One of the most effective cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated in both the door and the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also comes with an easy-to-close panel that you can slide into when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an great option for those who live in colder weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal and is welded with laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automobile industry. Its design makes it impervious to harsh weather conditions and can be incorporated into various wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency and it also comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and keep out drafts, look for a cat-friendly door with insulation features. This could be the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame made from a material like aluminum that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that prevent drafts and help to reduce the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door with these features.
Many of the modern cat doors that are designed specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that can endure harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also green, being made from an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pet and the planet.
Even if you've selected 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 your existing window or wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is positioned around the flap's outside, but it is important to remember that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door easily so that they can go in and out as they wish.
Installing a new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER, that is designed specifically for cold weather is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet door comes with a thicker, insulated flap that helps to reduce conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It also has the ability to endure extreme temperatures, such as 40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but for a fraction of their price.