If you keep your cat's flap open, it could create draft. This is a common problem experienced by cat owners.
A draught excluder can help minimise cold air entering the home, but the cat flap that is insulated will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a range of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that are suitable for any installation, including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is among the most important aspects of a cat-door. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are many ways that insulation can be made however the most important thing is the material the flap is made of.
Doors with double or triple flaps offer greater insulation and prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the flap and help reduce drafts. You should be aware that these will not stop cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat.
Fill in the gap left by your cat flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering into your home and reduce the noise generated by your cat using their pet door. If you decide to 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 surrounding fabric.
An excellent choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door has an insulated, thick flap that is designed to minimize the loss of heat through conductive channels. 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 used in the frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
If a cat flap is closed, cold air may still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers try to minimize this problem by adding what's known as draft excluders, which are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you want to make use of a cat flap in colder weather, ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps through which allow cold air to enter.
cat flap fitters is possible to help your cat's door stay closed against the wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of a pet door and its materials. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps and a frame that can endure temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and prevent cold air from getting in.
It is also recommended to look for double-flap designs that are able to stand up to heat and cold and high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap ones but they will save you money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important for those who live in an area that experiences harsh winters or summers.
If you're thinking of buying a cold weather cat flap look over the reviews to determine which ones are the most well-reviewed and offer the most protection against the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a popular choice due to its excellent insulation and a durable flap, in addition to an easy-to-install and safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many customers have praised its ability to withstand cold and wind without compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to reduce energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation has an opening with a 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 strong magnetic seal is essential for winter however, a great cat flap should also be able to withstand wind. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by wind during winter, as this will allow cold air into your home, which will increase the cost of heating. A good cold-weather model will come with a magnetic seal that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour. A lot models also come with insulation to prevent heat loss.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the top cat flaps for cold weather on the market. It is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so you can slide in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another great option. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to reduce conductive heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are another ideal option for those who live in colder weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded with laser welding technology that is used in the automobile industry. Its design makes it impervious to harsh weather and can be installed in a wide variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency, and it comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for additional protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and keep out drafts, look for a cat-friendly door with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame constructed of aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or Plastic. Certain models also have brushes that block drafts and aid in reducing the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door that has these features.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with several insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that can stand up to harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also green, being made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap you may still find that cold air is able to be able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your wall or window. This is because the flap itself causes a draught when open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder around the outside of a flap. However, it is important to remember that your cat should be able to open and close the doors without difficulty to allow them to enter and exit as needed.
A more effective solution is to install a new door specifically made for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door has a thicker, more insulated flap which helps reduce conductive heating 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 is similar to double-paned windows, however for a fraction of their price.