Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it may create a draft. This is a common issue experienced by cat owners. A draught excluder can help cut down the amount of cold air that is able to enter the home. However the cat flap can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that are suitable for all kinds of installations that include wall installations. The Material One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a variety of ways in which insulation can be achieved however the most important thing is the material the flap is made from. A single flap won't do much in terms of insulating your home But doors with triple or double flaps are much more insulated and will stop cold air entering the house. You can also buy draught excluders that fit around the frame of the cat flap and help to reduce drafts. Be aware that these will not stop cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat. Fill in the gap left by your cat flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This can help stop cold air from entering your home, and also decreasing the amount of noise that occurs when your cat uses their pet door. It is important to note that if you decide to do this, it is vital to measure the hole that your cat flap has made and select a filler material that matches the material surrounding it. A great choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with 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 getting through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000 times more in insulating properties than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of lesser pet doors. Wind Resistance When a cat's door is opened it creates a draft that means cold air can enter your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers try to minimize this issue by adding what are known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. If you plan to make use of a cat flap in colder weather, make sure your door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps where allow cold air to enter. You can make sure that your cat's door stay closed against the wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you should 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 insulation. They will have thick PVC flaps, and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option. Find a model with double-flaps that are able to stand up to cold and hot and also high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, however they are a great investment that will allow you to save money on energy costs in the long in the long run. This is particularly important if you live in an area that gets extreme summers or winters. Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap that is cold-weather to determine which models have the highest reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a popular choice because it offers great insulation and a durable flap, as well as an easy-to-install and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great choice, with a lot of customers praising its ability to resist extreme cold and wind while still offering the ability for their cats to go in and out without hassle. The Magnetic Seal In cold weather, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to prevent energy loss. This 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 in the door. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if required. A strong magnetic seal is vital in winter, but a good cat flap also needs to be able to withstand wind. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be open by the winds in winter. This will allow cold air in to your home and raise your heating costs. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk -quality cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with a strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour, and many of these models are also insulated to reduce heat loss through the door. One of the most effective 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 a Snap On closing panel that can be inserted into the door when the weather is cold to keep your pet inside. Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. In addition, the frame is joined using the latest technology in the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable for cold-weather conditions. The Baboni pet door is an great option for those who live in colder weather. It is made from aerospace quality aluminum alloy and metal steel, and is welded with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, and can be installed on a variety of wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for extra protection during extreme weather. The Design If you're looking to keep your home warm, and avoid drafts, then look for a cat-friendly door that is insulated. This could include the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame made from a material like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. Look for the words “insulation,” “weatherproof seals,” or “energy efficiency” in the description of the item to find a door equipped with these features. Many of the modern cat doors that are designed specifically for cold climates come with a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has a dual flap system as well as an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly because it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for both your pets and the environment. Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap you may still find that cold air is able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and the wall or window. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by placing a draught-excluder around the outside of a flap. However it is essential to remember that your cat should be able open and close the doors easily to allow them to be able to enter and exit the door as they need to. Installing an entirely new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for colder weather, is a more effective solution. 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 withstand extreme temperatures, including -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.