A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a common problem experienced by cat owners.
double glazing cat flap www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk -exclusion device can help to reduce cold air coming into the house, but an animal flap that is insulated will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that are suitable for any kind of installation including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important aspects of a cat-door. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are many ways in which insulation can be achieved however the most important thing is the material that the flap is constructed from.
A single flap won't make much difference in insulation for your home But doors with triple or dual flaps are more efficient in insulation and will stop cold air getting into the house. You can also purchase draft restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the flap and help reduce drafts. However, you need to bear in mind that these won't stop cold air from entering the room if your cat is trying to use their door at the same time.
Another option is to cover the space left by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will block cold air from getting into your home and reduce the sound generated by your cat's pet door. If you choose to do this, you should take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap made and select a filler that matches the fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door has an insulated, thick flap that is designed to limit conductive heat loss. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X better in insulating properties than the aluminum used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened and closed, it creates draft, which means that cold air can sneak into your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers try to minimize this problem by adding what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. However, if you are looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation you'll need to make sure that your door is sealed tightly when shut and that there are no gaps where cold air can get in.
You can make sure that your cat's shut the door against wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you must take into consideration the overall design of the pet-door as well as its materials. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can resist temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from getting in and keep warm air out, which can be an enormous energy saver.
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, but they are a good investment that will help you save on energy costs in the long in the long run. This is particularly important if live somewhere that has extreme summers and winters.
If you're considering purchasing a cold weather cat flap, check the reviews to see which models have the highest ratings and provide the best protection against the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice due to its excellent insulation and a durable flap, and an easy-to-install and safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers have praised its ability to resist cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder weather, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is the key to decreasing energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation comes with an opening with a magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside the door. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when required.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for cold weather however, a good cat flap should also be able to withstand winds. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be blown open by the wind during winter. This will allow cold air in to your home and increase your heating bills. A good cat flap for cold weather will be sealed with a durable 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 cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated both in the frame and the door to provide the highest level of insulation. It includes the Snap On closing panel which you can slide into the door when the weather is cold 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 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 cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another ideal option for those who live in colder 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 resistant to harsh weather conditions and can be used in many wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door for additional protection against extreme weather.
The Design
When selecting a cat door that will keep your home warm and draft free it is recommended to choose a door with insulation features. This could include the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a substance like aluminum that is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that stop drafts and reduce the loss of energy. You can find doors that have these features by searching for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
Many of the modern cat doors that are designed specifically for cold climates come 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 is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also environmentally friendly, because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for both your pets and planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap you might find that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the frame of your door and the window or wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by providing what is called a draught excluder that is positioned around the outside of the flap, but it is important to remember that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door easily so that they can go in and out as needed.
Installing a new pet door, like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather is an effective option. The RANGER pet door comes with an insulated flap that is thicker and more dense that helps to reduce heating from conductive sources by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It also has the ability to withstand extreme cold, protecting against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This level of protection can be similar to double-pane windows but at a fraction of the cost.