A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a problem many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, however a cat flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that work for all kinds of installations, including wall 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. Insulation can be accomplished in many ways, but the material that the flap is constructed is the most important.
Doors with double or triple flaps provide more insulation and block cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draft excluders that go around the frame of the flap and reduce drafts. But, you must bear in mind that these will not stop cold air from entering the room if your cat is attempting to use their door at the same at the same time.
Fill in the space left by your cat flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will help to prevent cold air from entering your home, as well as decreasing the amount of noise generated when your cat uses their pet door. If you choose to do this, you must determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap created and select a filler that is compatible with the surrounding fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door features an insulated, thick flap that is designed to minimize the loss of heat that is conductive. 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 inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home when the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this issue by adding what's known as draft excluders, which are basically brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. However, if you are looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you must make sure that your door is sealed tightly when closed, and that there are no gaps through which cold air can enter.
You can help your cat door stay closed against the winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. But, you should be aware of the overall structure of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best pet doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating. They include thick PVC flaps, as well as a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option.
Choose a model with double-flaps, which can stand up to cold and hot and also high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap ones however they can save you money on energy bills over time. This is important if you live somewhere that has harsh winters and summers.
If you are considering buying a cold weather cat flap read the reviews to determine which models are the best-reviewed and provide the best protection against the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it has a durable flap and an easy-to install and tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to resist the elements of wind and cold without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a well shut cat flap is vital to prevent energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation comes with a magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when needed.
A great cat flap should be able to withstand wind and have a strong magnetic seal. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be blown wide open by the wind during winter. This will let cold air in to your home and increase your heating bill. A quality cold-weather model will have a magnetic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Many of these models also come with insulation to prevent heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps designed for cold temperatures available. The model is insulated inside the frame and in the door to provide the highest level of insulation. It is equipped with a Snap On closing panel that you can put into the door if the weather is cold to keep your pet safe.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC in order to reduce heat loss through conduction and keep your home warm. Additionally, the frame is welded together using technology from the automotive industry to make it strong and durable for cold-weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality as well as steel, and is welded by using laser welding technology, which is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather conditions and can be installed in a wide variety of wall materials. The double flaps provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the door to give it extra protection against extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, look for a cat-friendly door that has insulation features. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame made of aluminum, which is less thermally conduction 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 equipped with these features.
Many of the modern cat doors that are made specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with a range of insulation features. linked website , for instance, features a dual flap system and an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also green, being made from an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pet and the planet.
Even the flap is well-insulated however, cold air can still flow through the gap created between the frame of the door or window and the wall. This is because the flap itself causes a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what's known as a draught excluder which is placed on the outside of the flap, but it is important to keep in mind that your cat will need to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease so that they can go in and out as they wish.
A more effective solution is to put in a new door that is specifically made for cold conditions, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door comes with a thicker, insulated flap that reduces the conductive heat by reducing amount of energy lost through the material. It is also able to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but for a fraction of their price.