Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can create a draught if it's left open. This is a challenge that many cat owners face.
A draught-exclusion device can help to reduce cold air coming into the house, but the cat flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that are suitable for any type of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important aspects of the cat-door. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be achieved in a variety of ways, but the material that the flap is constructed is the most important.
A single flap will not do much in terms of insulation for your home, but doors that come with triple or double flaps are more efficient in insulation and will stop cold air entering the home. You can also purchase draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and help 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's flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering into your home and will reduce the sound generated by your cat flap in bifold doors when they use their pet door. If you choose to do this, you need to take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap made and select a filler that is compatible with the surrounding fabric.
A great choice for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door has a thick, insulated flap that is designed to minimize the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has a strong magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating than the aluminum frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home if the flap is open. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening that are brushes. But, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you must make sure that your door will seal properly when it is shut, and that there aren't gaps where cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap keep its seal against the wind, but you should also take a look at the overall structure and materials that are used in the construction of a pet door. The best cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps and a frame that is able to endure temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from leaking in and keeps warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
Look for a design with double-flaps that can be able to withstand cold and heat, as well high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap ones but they will help you save money on energy bills over time. This is especially important if you reside in a region that experiences harsh winters and summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to determine which models have the most favorable 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 and tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers praise its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold conditions, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is the key to decreasing energy loss. This is why the best upvc cat flap door panels flap insulation is made with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Additionally, certain models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if necessary.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a good cat flap must also be able to stand up to the wind. You don't want your cat flap to be blown open by the winds in winter. This can let cold air into your house and increase your heating bill. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap 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 stop heat loss through the door.
One of the most effective cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside the frame and in the door to ensure maximum insulation. It also comes with an opening panel that snaps on so can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to make it durable and strong for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for colder weather. It is made of aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded with laser welding technology that is used in the automobile industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather and can be incorporated into a wide variety of wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it has a tunnel kit you can add to the door for extra protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, look for a cat-friendly door with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame constructed of aluminum which has less thermal conduction than PVC or Plastic. Certain models also have brushes that prevent drafts and reduce the loss of energy. You can find doors that have these features by searching for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Many modern cat doors, specifically designed for use in cold climates, are equipped with a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap system as well as an insulated framework that is able to withstand extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also environmentally friendly as it is made from an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pets and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is insulated however, cold air still flows through the gap between the frame of your composite door cat flap or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself causes an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by providing what is known as a draught excluder which is placed on the flap's outside however it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease so that they can get in and out as they wish.
The most effective option is to put in a new door that has been specifically designed for colder weather, such as the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have an insulated, thicker door that reduces the conductive heating. It also has the ability to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at a fraction of the cost.