A cat flap could cause an air draught when left open. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can help to reduce cold air coming into the home, but a cat flap that is insulated will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for any type of installation that include wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important aspects of a cat-door. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. There are many ways in which insulation can be achieved, but the most important factor is the material that the flap is constructed from.
A single flap won't make much difference in insulation for your home However, doors with dual or triple flaps are more efficient in insulation and will stop cold air entering the home. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to go around the frame to reduce drafts. But, you must keep in mind that these will not stop cold air from entering if your cat is trying to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Fill in the gap left by your cat flap with insulation like styrofoam. This can help stop cold air from entering your home, and also reducing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital to measure the hole your cat's flap has made and select the filler material that is compatible with the surrounding material.
A great option for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door comes with a strong sealed, insulated seal that minimizes the loss of heat. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000X more insulating that the aluminum used in the frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air can still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening which are essentially brushes. However, if you are searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to ensure that the door is sealed tightly when it is shut and that there aren't gaps where cold air can pass through.
You can help your cat shut the door against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of a pet-door and its materials. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a frame that is able to endure temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option.
It is also recommended to look for double-flap designs that are able to resist both cold and heat and high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, however they are a great investment that will help you reduce your energy bills in the long in the long run. This is important if you reside in a region that experiences harsh winters and summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to see which models have the best reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it comes with a sturdy flap and a simple to install secure, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers praise its ability to withstand cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold temperatures, a cat flap that seals tightly is the key to cutting down on energy loss. cat flap installer is why the best cat flap insulation is made with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door shut, even when your pet is inside it. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if required.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather however, a great cat flap should also be able to stand up to wind. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by winds in winter, since it will let cold air into your home, which will increase your heating bill. A good cat flap for cold weather will feature a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour and a majority of these models are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It is equipped with a Snap On closing panel which you can slide into the door when weather is bad in order to keep your pet indoors.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic option. The door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. Additionally, the frame is welded together with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it tough and durable for cold-weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an excellent choice for cold weather. It is constructed from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and metal steel, and welded together using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it impervious to harsh weather and can be incorporated into many wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door to provide extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, look for a cat-friendly door that has insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material like aluminum that is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that help to reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. You can find doors that have these features by looking for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system as well as an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping to keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly and is made of an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated however, cold air still flows through the opening between the door frame or window and the existing wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's called a draught-exclusion device that is placed on the outside of the flap however it is important to keep in mind that your cat will need to be able to open and close the door with ease so that they can go into and out when they need to.
A more effective solution is to put in a new door that has been specifically designed for colder weather, like the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors feature a thicker, insulated door that blocks the heating that is conductive. It also has the ability to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at less cost.