Choosing Cat Flap Insulation
A cat flap can cause an air draught when left open. This is a frequent issue encountered by cat owners. A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the home. However an animal flap can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors that are suitable for any installation, including wall-mounted installations. The Material One of the most important elements of the cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be made, but the most important thing is the material the flap is made of. A single flap will not do much in terms of insulation But doors with dual or triple flaps are much more insulated and will prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to wrap around the frame to reduce drafts. But, you must be aware that these won't stop the cold air from entering when your cat is using their door at the same at the same time. Another option is to cover the space left behind by your cat's flap with some form of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will help to keep cold air out of your home, as well as decreasing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat is using their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital that you measure the hole your cat's flap has made and select the filler material that is compatible with the surrounding material. cat flap fitting by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for a high-quality cat flap. The door is constructed with a thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit conductive heat loss. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or wind from getting through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000 times more in insulating properties than the aluminum used in the frames of lesser pet doors. Wind Resistance If a cat flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home if the flap is open. Some manufacturers try to minimize this issue by adding what are known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. However, if you are searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation you will need to make sure that your door can seal tightly when closed, and that there are no gaps where cold air can get in. You can make sure that your cat's door stay closed against the wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you should be aware of the overall structure of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best pet doors for colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulating. These include thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and prevent cold air from getting inside. Look for a design with double-flaps, which can withstand both heat and cold and high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap versions, but they can save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important when you live in an area which experiences severe winters or harsh summers. If you are considering buying a cold weather cat flap look over the reviews to determine which models have the highest ratings and offer the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a well-loved choice due to its excellent insulation and a tough flap, and an easy-to-install secure, safe from tampering. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent choice, with a lot of customers praising its ability to resist extreme cold and wind while providing the ability for their cats to go in and out without hassle. The Magnetic Seal When it comes to colder conditions, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is the key to cutting down on energy loss. The best cat flap insulation has the magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if needed. A strong magnetic seal is essential for cold weather however, a great cat flap should also be able to stand up to winds. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by wind during winter, as this will allow cold air into your home and increase the cost of heating. A good cat flap for cold weather will have an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a lot of them are also insulated to reduce heat loss through the door. One of the most effective cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door and 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 bad in order to keep your pet safe. Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize the loss of heat through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions. The Baboni pet door is another great option for those who live in colder weather. It is constructed of aerospace quality aluminum alloy as well as steel, which is welded using laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it impervious to extreme weather conditions and can be used in various wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency and it also comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for extra protection during extreme weather. The Design If you want to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, consider a cat door with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame constructed of aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or Plastic. Certain models also have brushes that stop drafts and help to reduce the loss of energy. Look for the words “insulation,” “weatherproof seals,” or “energy efficiency” in the description of the product to find a door equipped with these features. Many of the modern cat doors that are made specifically for cold climates are equipped with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap system and an insulated framework that can withstand extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also environmentally friendly as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pets and the planet. Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air can pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your window or wall. This is because the flap itself produces a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize the draught by putting a draught excluder around the outside of a flap. However, it is important to keep in mind that your cat should be able to open and close the doors without difficulty so that they can enter and exit as needed. Installing a new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather is an effective option. The RANGER pet doors feature a thicker, insulated door that cuts down on conductive heating. It also has the ability to stand up to extreme cold, and protect against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, however for a fraction of their price.