If you leave your cat's flap open, it can create draft. This is a common problem that cat owners face.
A draught excluder can help cut down the amount of cold air that is able to enter the house. However, a cat flap will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of insulated cat flaps and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important aspects of the cat door is its insulation. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be made, but the most important factor is the material the flap is made from.
Doors with triple or double flaps provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draft excluders that fit around the frame of the cat flap and help to reduce drafts. But, you must be aware that these will not stop the cold air from entering when your cat is using their door at the same simultaneously.
Another option is to fill in the space left behind by your cat flap with some form of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will help to prevent cold air from entering your home, while also decreasing the amount of noise generated when your cat uses their pet door. If you 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 option for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door features a thick, insulated flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has a durable magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000 times more in insulating properties than the aluminum material used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened, it creates a draft that means cold air can sneak into your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this issue by adding what is known as draught excluders which are essentially brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. However, if you are seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation, you will need to make sure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and that there aren't gaps that cold air can pass through.
It is possible to help your cat's shut the door against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of a pet door and its materials. The best pet doors for cold weather are 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 block cold air from getting inside.
You should also look for double-flap designs that are able to stand up to heat and cold, as well as high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap models, however they are a good investment that will help you save on energy costs in the long run. This is especially important if you reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.
Check reviews before buying a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and an easy-to install, tamper proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option, with numerous customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind, while still offering the ability for their cats to go in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a well closed cat flap is crucial to prevent energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is made with an magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Additionally, certain models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out, if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather however, a great cat flap also needs to be able to stand up to winds. You don't want your cat flap in bifold doors's door to be blown open by wind in winter, because this could allow cold air into your home, which will increase the cost of heating. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will have a strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour and a majority of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through wall cat flap the door.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside the frame and in the door to provide the highest level of insulation. It also comes with an easy-to-close panel that can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss 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 door is another excellent choice for cold weather. It is constructed from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality as well as steel, and is welded using laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather and can be used in various wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door to provide extra 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 the dual flap system or a frame that is thermally efficient made from a material like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and help to reduce energy loss. You can find doors with these features by looking for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
A lot of 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 two flaps and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand the harshest weather conditions, assisting to prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly, as it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if you've chosen an insulated cat flap you might find that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the frame of your door and your window or wall. This is because the flap itself creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by offering what's called a draught-exclusion device that is placed on the flap's exterior however it is important to keep in mind that your cat flap installation will need to be capable of opening and closing the door without difficulty so that they can go in and out as needed.
Installing a new pet door like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for colder weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet doors feature an insulated, thicker door that cuts down on the conductive heating. It also has the ability to withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This level of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at only a fraction of the cost.