A cat flap could cause an air draught when left open. This is a problem many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught-exclusion device can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, however a cat flap with insulation will provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for all kinds of installations, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important features of the cat-door. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are many ways that insulation can be made, but the most important factor is the material the flap is constructed from.
A single flap won't make much difference in insulating your home However, doors with dual or triple flaps are much more insulated and will stop cold air entering the house. You can also purchase draft excluders that fit around the frame of the cat flap and reduce drafts. However, you need to bear in mind that these won't stop the cold air from entering the room if your cat is trying to use their door at the same at the same time.
Another alternative is to fill the area left behind by your cat flap with some form of insulation like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, while also making it less noisy that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. It is important to note that if you decide to do this, it is vital to gauge the hole that your cat flap has created and choose a filler material that is in line with the material surrounding it.
The RANGER pet entry by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for high-quality cat flap. The door has a thick and insulated seal, which reduces the loss of heat. It also has magnetic seals that block cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X better insulating than the aluminum used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened it creates a draft which means cold air can enter your home, even if the flap is closed. Some manufacturers try to minimize this issue by adding what are known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. If you plan to use a cat flap to combat cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps where let cold air in.
It is possible to help your cat's shut the door against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you must also consider the overall construction of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best doors for pets in cold weather will be made of materials that are insulate. These include thick PVC flaps, and a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and stop cold air from entering.
Look for a design with double-flaps that are able to withstand both heat and cold, as well high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they're a wise investment that will help you reduce your energy bills in the long run. This is important if you live somewhere that has extreme summers and winters.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather to determine 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 that is easy to install and has a, tamper proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers praise its ability to withstand cold and wind without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a cat flap that seals tightly is the key to decreasing energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation comes with the use of a magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is in it. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if needed.
A great cat flap should be able resist wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't want your cat flap to be blown open by the winds in winter. This will let cold air into your house and increase your heating bill. A good model for cold weather will come with magnetic seals that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles per hour. cat flap installer Repair My Windows And Doors of these models also have insulation to prevent heat loss.
One of the most effective cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated in both the door and frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also has an easy-to-close panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets indoors.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to help reduce heat loss 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 doors are another great choice for cold weather. It is constructed of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and metal and is welded using laser welding technology used in the automobile industry. Its design makes it resistant to harsh weather and can be installed in many wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door to provide extra protection against extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat-friendly door with insulation features. This could be dual flaps, or a thermally efficient frame 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 also prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door that has these features.
A lot of modern cat doors that are designed specifically for cold climates are equipped with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly as it is made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pets and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated however, cold air can still flow through the gap created between the frame of your door or window and the existing wall. The flap creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by providing what is known as a draught excluder which 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 go in and out as they wish.
An alternative that is more efficient is to put in a new door that has been specifically designed for cold weather, like the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door comes with an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense which helps reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It is also able to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.