Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
If you leave your cat's flap open, it could create draft. This is a common problem experienced by upvc cat flap door panels owners.
A draught excluder can help minimise cold air entering the home, however an animal flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors suitable for any installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. There are a variety of ways that insulation can be created, but the most important factor is the material that the flap is made from.
Doors with triple or double flaps will provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from entering your home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to go around the frame and reduce drafts. But, you must bear in mind that these won't stop the cold air from getting in the room if your cat is attempting to use their replacement upvc door panel with cat flap at the same time.
Fill in the area left by your cat flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home, and also decreasing the amount of noise generated when your cat uses their pet door. If you decide to do this, you must determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose an appropriate filler to match the surrounding fabric.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick and insulated seal, which reduces the loss of heat. It also has a strong magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000 times more insulating than the aluminum used in the frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened it creates a draft, which means that cold air can enter your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what's known as draft excluders, which are basically brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. However, if you're searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to ensure that your door is sealed tightly when shut and that there aren't gaps that cold air can get in.
You can make sure that your cat's door stay closed against the wind by using a strong magnetic seal. But, you should take into consideration the overall design of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can resist temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from entering and keeps warm air out, which is an energy-efficient option.
Find a model with double-flaps that are able to be able to withstand cold and heat and also high winds. They will cost more than single-flap designs, but they're a wise investment that can help you reduce your energy bills in the long in the long run. This is especially important when you live in an area which experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
If you're thinking of buying a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to see which models are the best-reviewed and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice because it offers great insulation and a sturdy flap, and an easy-to-install and safe from tampering. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option, with numerous customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while still offering the ability for their cats to move in and out easily.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to prevent energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door shut, even when your pet is inside the door. Some models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out, if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is essential for cold weather however, a great cat flap must also be able to resist winds. You don't want your cat flap to be open by the wind in winter. This will let cold air into your house and increase your heating bills. A quality cold-weather model will have magnetic seals that can withstand winds of that exceed 50 miles an hour. A lot of these models also come with insulation to prevent heat loss.
One of the top cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in the door and frame to ensure maximum insulation. It includes an Snap On closing panel that you can put into the door if the weather is not ideal to keep your pet indoors.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another excellent choice for colder weather. It is constructed of aerospace quality aluminum alloy and steel, which is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather conditions and can be positioned on a variety of wall materials. Its 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 to 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 that is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that reduce energy loss and prevent 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.
A lot of modern cat doors that are made specifically for cold climates come with a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features 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, as it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for your pets and planet.
Even the flap is well-insulated it is possible that cold air still flows through the gap created between the frame of the door or window and the wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder on the outside of the flap. However, it is important to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the doors easily so that they can move in and out as needed.
Installing a new pet door like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for colder weather, is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet door has a thicker, insulated flap that helps to reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It is also able to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This level of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at less cost.
