Choosing Cat Flap Insulation

A cat flap can create a draught if it's left open. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can help minimise cold air entering the home, but a cat flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that are suitable for all kinds of installations, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important features of a cat-door. This is what keeps cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved in many ways, but the material from which the flap is made is the most crucial.
Doors with double or triple flaps offer more insulation and block cold air from getting into your home. You can also buy draught excluders that go around the frame of the flap and help to reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the area left by your cat's flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will keep cold air out of your home, as well as reducing 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 made and select a filler that is compatible with the fabric.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an insulated, thick flap that is designed to reduce conductive heat loss. It also has a magnetic seal that prevents cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000 times more insulating than the aluminum material used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home if the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate the risk of this by incorporating what's known as draft excluders, which are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you want to use a cat flap for cold weather, make sure your door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps that cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap stay shut against wind, however you should also take a look at the overall structure and materials employed in the construction of a pet door. The most effective cold weather pet doors will be made from materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps and a frame that can stand up to temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and block cold air from getting in.
You should also consider a double-flap design that can be able to withstand heat and cold, as well as high winds. These models are more expensive than single-flap ones however they can save you money on energy bills over time. This is especially important if you reside in a region that experiences harsh winters and summers.
If you are considering buying a winter cat flap look over the reviews to determine which models have the highest ratings and offer the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it has a durable flap and an easy-to install, tamper proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different choice, with a lot of customers praise its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while still offering the ability for their cats to move in and out without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to cold temperatures, the ability to seal a cat flap tightly is the key to cutting down on energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation features an opening with a magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door closed when your pet is inside. In addition, some models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out, if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is vital in colder weather however, a good cat flap must also be able to resist winds. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be open by the winds in winter. This will allow cold air into your house and raise your heating costs. A good cold-weather cat flap will feature an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour and many of these models are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
One of the top cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated in both the door and the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It includes an Snap On closing panel that you can slide into the door if the weather is not ideal to keep your pet inside.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another excellent alternative. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to minimize the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your house warm. In addition, the frame is joined with the help of technology from the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable for cold-weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an great option for those who live in colder weather. It is constructed from aerospace quality aluminum alloy as well as steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to extreme weather conditions and can be installed in various wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the door for additional protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat door that has insulation features. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame constructed of aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models also come with brushes that stop drafts and help to reduce the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door that has these features.
A majority of the contemporary cat doors that are designed specifically for use in cold climates come with a range of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with two flaps and an insulated frame that is able to withstand the harshest weather conditions, helping prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even the flap is insulated, you may find that cold air still flows through the gap between the frame of the door or window and the existing wall. The flap creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is positioned around the flap's outside however it is important to remember that your cat will need to be capable of opening and closing the door without difficulty so that they can go in and out as needed.
A more effective solution is to install a new door that has been specifically designed for colder weather, like the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have a thicker, insulated door that cuts down on the heating that is conductive. It is also able to withstand extreme temperatures, including -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be comparable to double-pane windows but at less cost.