Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if it's left open. This is a problem many cat owners face.
A draught-exclusion device can help minimise cold air entering the house, but an animal flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for all types of installations, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of the cat-door. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be created but the most important is the material that the flap is made from.
A single flap will not make much difference in insulation, but doors that come with triple or double flaps are more efficient in insulation and will prevent cold air from getting into the house. You can also buy draught excluders that go around the frame of the flap and reduce drafts. Be aware that these will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the gap left by your cat flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from getting into your home and will reduce the noise generated by your cat when they use their pet door. If you choose to do this, you need to measure the hole your cat flap made and select a filler that matches the fabric.
The RANGER pet entry door from Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for a high-quality cat flap. This door features a thick and insulated seal, which reduces the loss of heat. It also has a durable magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000 times more insulating than 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. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate this issue by adding what's known as draft excluders which are essentially brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you want to make use of a cat flap in colder weather, make sure your door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps that allow cold air to enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to help your cat flap stay shut against the wind, but you should also take a look at the overall construction and materials that are used in a pet door. The most effective doors for cold weather will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that can resist temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and block cold air from getting inside.
You should also look for a double-flap design that can stand up to heat and cold and high winds. cat flap installation near me are more expensive than the single-flap ones but they will save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important if reside in a region that experiences severe winters and harsh summers.
Check reviews before buying a cat flap that is cold-weather to determine which models have the most favorable reviews and offer the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a favorite due to its excellent insulation and a tough flap, in addition to an easy-to-install and tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to resist cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder temperatures, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to reducing energy loss. The best cat flap insulation has an opening with a magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in colder weather however, a good cat flap should also be able to stand up to the wind. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by the wind in winter, because it will let cold air to enter your home, which will increase your heating bill. A good model for cold weather will have magnetic seals that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles an hour. A majority of these models also come with insulation to stop loss of heat.
One of the most effective cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated both in the door and frame to ensure maximum insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide into when the weather is bad to keep your pets inside.
The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic alternative. 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 cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automobile industry. Its design makes it impervious to extreme weather conditions and can be installed in a wide variety of wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door for additional protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, consider a cat door that is insulated. This could be the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a substance such as aluminum which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help reduce energy loss and also prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door with these features.
Many of the modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with two flaps and an insulated frame that is able to withstand the harshest weather conditions, helping to prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap you may still find that cold air is able to pass through the gap between the door frame and your existing wall or window. The flap creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by providing what is called a draught-exclusion device that is positioned around the flap's exterior however it is important to remember that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door without difficulty so that they can get in and out as they wish.
A more effective solution is to install a brand new door specifically designed for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door by 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 40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be similar to double-pane windows but at a fraction of the cost.