Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it can create a draft. This is a common issue experienced by cat owners.
A draught excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house, but an animal flap with insulation will provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flap installation cost flaps that are insulated and dog doors that are suitable for any type of installation including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of the cat-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. There are a number of ways that insulation can be achieved but the most important is the material that the flap is made from.
Doors with triple or double flaps provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught-excluders to go around the frame and reduce drafts. Be aware that these products will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door for your cat flap installer.
Another option is to fill in the area left behind by your cat's flap with some form of insulation such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, as well as decreasing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat uses their pet door. It is important to note that if you decide to do this, it is crucial that you measure the hole that your cat's flap has created and select the filler material that is compatible with the surrounding material.
A great option for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door has an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X more in insulating properties than the aluminum used in the frames of other pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened and closed, it creates draft which means cold air can get into your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening which are essentially brushes. But, if you're seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to ensure that your door can seal tightly when closed, and that there are no gaps where cold air can enter.
It is possible to help your cat's keep the door shut against wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you should also consider the overall construction 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 resist temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
Choose a model with double-flaps that are able to be able to withstand cold and heat, as well high winds. They will cost more than single-flap designs, but they are a good investment that will allow you to save money on energy costs in the long run. This is especially important if you reside in an area that has severe winters and harsh summers.
Read reviews before purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice due to its excellent insulation and a sturdy flap, and an easy-to-install, safe from tampering. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with numerous customers praise its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while providing the ability for their cats to go in and out easily.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder conditions, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to cutting down on energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with an magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Additionally, certain models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
fitting a cat flap strong magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a great cat flap must 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 into your home and increase your heating costs. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour, and many of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.
One of the best cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door as well as the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It comes with an Snap On closing panel that you can put into the door when the weather is cold to keep your pet safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to make it durable and strong for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another 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 that is used in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to harsh weather, and it can be positioned on a variety of wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency, and it has tunnel kits that you can add to the door for more 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. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame made from aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and aid in reducing the loss of energy. You can locate doors with these features by searching for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
Many of the modern cat flap fitting doors designed specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features two flaps and an insulated frame that is able to withstand the harshest weather conditions, assisting to keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also green as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for pets and the environment.
Even if you've chosen an insulated cat flap, you might find that cold air can pass through the gap between the door frame and the wall or window with cat flap. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what is called a draught-exclusion device that is placed on the outside of the flap however, it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and close the door without difficulty so that they can get into and out when they need to.
An alternative that is more efficient is to install a brand new door specifically made for cold weather, like the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door comes with a thicker, 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 cold, securing against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This level of protection is similar to double-paned windows, however at a fraction of the cost.