A cat flap could cause an air draught when left open. This is a common issue encountered by cat owners.
A draught-exclusion device can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, but a cat flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of dog doors that are insulated and cat flaps that work for any type of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important characteristics of a cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a variety of ways that insulation can be made however the most important is the material that the flap is made from.
A single flap will not make much difference in insulation for your home, but doors that come with dual or triple flaps are more efficient in insulation and will stop cold air entering the home. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the flap and help reduce drafts. But, you must keep in mind that they will not prevent the cold air from getting in when your cat is attempting to use their door at the same time.
Fill in the gap left by your cat flap with insulation, such as styrofoam. This can help keep cold air out of your home, as well as reducing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat uses their pet door. If you do this, you must measure the hole your cat flap has created and choose an appropriate filler to match the fabric.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick and insulated seal, which reduces the loss of heat. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X more insulation than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a door for cats is opened it creates a draft that means cold air can enter your home even though the flap is closed. cat flap installation add draught-excluders to the flap opening which are essentially brushes. If you plan to use a cat flap to combat cold weather, ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps that allow cold air to enter.
It is possible to help your cat's door stay closed against the wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you should also consider the overall construction of the pet-door as well as its materials. The best cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can stand up to temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and block cold air from entering.
Look for a design with double-flaps, which can withstand both heat and cold and high winds. These models are more expensive than single-flap versions but they will save you money on energy costs over time. 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 highest reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a popular choice due to its excellent insulation and a durable flap, and an easy-to-install, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great choice, with a lot of customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while still offering the ability for their cats to enter and exit without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to prevent energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation features the magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if needed.
A solid magnetic seal is essential for winter however, a good cat flap should also be able to resist the wind. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by wind in winter, because this will allow cold air to enter your home and increase the cost of heating. A quality cold-weather model will come with a magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour. A majority of these models also have insulation to help prevent loss of heat.
One of the best cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated in the frame and the door to provide maximum insulation. It comes with the Snap On closing panel which can be inserted into the door when weather is not ideal to keep your pet inside.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another great option. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. The frame is joined with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it tough and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another excellent choice for colder weather. It is made from aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and steel, and is welded by using laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather and can be incorporated into many wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency, and it also comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for more protection during severe weather.
The Design
When you are choosing a cat door to keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should look for one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame constructed of aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that stop drafts and reduce the loss of energy. You can find doors that have these features by looking for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
A lot of modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates come with various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap system and an insulated framework that can stand up to harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also environmentally friendly, since it is constructed of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for both your pet and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated, you may find that cold air can still pass through the opening between the frame of your door or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself causes a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by providing what is called a draught-exclusion device that is positioned around the outside of the flap however, it is crucial to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the door easily so that they can get in and out as they wish.
Installing a new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet doors feature an extra thick, insulated door that reduces conductive heating. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, including -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be similar to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.