A cat flap can create an air draught when left open. This is a challenge that many cat owners experience.
A draught-exclusion device can help minimise cold air entering the house, but an animal flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that are suitable for any kind of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important aspects of a cat-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved in many ways but the material that the flap is made is the most important.
A single flap will not do much in terms of insulating your home But doors with triple or dual flaps are more efficient in insulation and will prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to cover the frame and limit drafts. Be aware that they will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Fill in the gap left by your cat's flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will help to stop cold air from entering your home, while also making it less noisy generated when your cat uses their pet door. If you choose to do this, you must measure the hole your cat flap made and select an appropriate filler to match the surrounding fabric.
The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent option for high-quality cat flap. The door has a thick and insulated seal, which reduces heat loss. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000x more insulating than the aluminum frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened and closed, it creates draft, which means that cold air can sneak into your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what's known as draft excluders that are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. However, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation you will need to ensure that your door can seal tightly when it is shut and that there aren't gaps that cold air can pass through.
You can make sure that your cat's keep the door shut 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 best doors for pets in cold weather will be made of materials that are insulating. These include thick PVC flaps, and a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
You should also consider double-flap models that can resist both cold and heat, as well as high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, but they are a great investment that can help you reduce your energy bills in the long term. This is important if you reside in a region that experiences harsh winters and summers.
If you're considering purchasing a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to see which models have the highest ratings and provide the most protection against the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a popular choice because it offers great insulation and a sturdy 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 customers have praised its ability to resist cold and wind without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to minimize energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside the room. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when needed.
A strong magnetic seal is vital in cold weather however, a good cat flap should also be able to stand up to winds. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by wind during winter, as it will let cold air to enter your home and increase the cost of heating. A good model for cold weather has magnetic seals that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles per hour. A lot of these models also come with insulation to prevent loss of heat.
One of the most effective cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in both the door and frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It is equipped with the Snap On closing panel that you can slide into the door if the weather is cold to keep your pet indoors.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your house 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 ideal option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace quality aluminum alloy and steel, which is welded with laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it impervious to harsh weather and can be incorporated into a wide variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency and it also comes with a tunnel kit you can add to the door for additional protection in extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that will keep your home warm and free of drafts, it is recommended to choose a door with insulation features. This could be a dual flap system, or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a substance like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help to reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. You can find doors that have these features by searching for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Many modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for cold climates, come with several insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with two flaps and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly, as it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for both your pets and the environment.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap you might find that cold air is able to pass through the gap between the door frame and your wall or window. This is because the flap itself creates an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what's called a draught-exclusion device that is placed around the outside of the flap however it is important to remember that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door easily so that they can get into and out when they need to.
cat flap fitters near me is to install a new door that is specifically designed for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door comes with a thicker, more insulated flap that reduces heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It is also able to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection could be compared to double-pane windows, but at less cost.