Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat flap open, it could create a draft. This is a challenge that many cat owners experience.
A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the home, but a cat flap in upvc door panel flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of dog doors that are insulated and cat flaps that work for any type of installation that include wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important aspects of a cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be achieved in a variety of ways, but the material from which the flap is constructed is the most important.
A single flap won't accomplish much in terms of insulation for your home, but doors with cat flap that come with triple or double flaps are far more insulated and will stop cold air entering the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to wrap around the frame to reduce drafts. You should be aware that these will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Another option is to cover the space left by your cat's flap with some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering into your home and reduce the noise produced by your cat using their pet door. If you choose to do this, you should measure the hole your cat flap made and Cat Flap insulation select an appropriate filler to match the fabric.
The RANGER pet entry door from Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for an excellent cat flap. This door features a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has magnetic seals that block cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating that the aluminum frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened and closed, it creates draft, which means that cold air can enter your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers try to minimize this problem by adding what's known as draft excluders which are essentially brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. However, if you are looking for a truly cold weather cat flap installation flap insulation, you must ensure that your door will seal properly when closed and that there aren't gaps through which cold air can enter.
You can make sure that your cat's door stay closed against the wind by using a durable magnetic seal. But, you should be aware of the overall structure of a pet door and its materials. The most effective cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that can endure temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from leaking in and keeps warm air out, which is an enormous energy saver.
Look for a design with double-flaps that can stand up to cold and hot, as well high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap models but they will save you money on energy bills over time. This is especially important if you live somewhere that has extreme summers and winters.
Read reviews before purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to see which models have the best reviews and offer the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it comes with a sturdy flap that is easy to install and has a secure, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with many customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind, while providing the ability for their cats to enter and exit easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to reduce energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is made with a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door shut, even when your pet is inside it. Some models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out, if needed.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for winter however, a great cat flap should also be able to withstand winds. You don't want your cat flap to be blown open by the wind during winter. This can let cold air in your home and increase your heating bills. A good cold-weather model has magnetic seals that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles an hour. Many of these models also come with insulation to help prevent loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps designed for cold weather available. It is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide in 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. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is joined using technology from the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable for cold-weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another great option for those who live in cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded using laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automobile industry. Its design makes it impervious to extreme weather conditions and can be used in many wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the door for additional protection against extreme weather.
The Design
When choosing a cat door that can keep your home warm and draft free you should look for one with insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, or a frame that is thermally efficient made from a material like aluminum that is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that stop drafts and help to reduce energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door with these features.
A lot of modern cat doors that are designed specifically for cold climates are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap system and an insulated framework that is able to endure extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for pets and the environment.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap you might still notice that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the door frame and the wall or window. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is positioned around the flap's outside however it is important to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the door without difficulty so that they can get in and out as needed.
A more effective solution is to put in a new door that has been specifically designed for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door has a thicker, more insulated flap that helps to reduce the conductive heat by reducing 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 at a fraction of the price.