A cat flap could cause a draught if it's left open. This is a common problem that cat owners face.
A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air entering the house. However the cat flap will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of cat flaps insulated and dog doors suitable for any installation, including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm in. There are a variety of ways in which insulation can be made, but the most important thing is the material the flap is made from.
Doors with triple or double flaps provide better insulation and stop cold air from entering your home. You can also purchase draught-exclusions to go around the frame and reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door for your cat.
Another alternative is to fill the space left behind by your cat flap with some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This can help prevent cold air from entering your home, while also decreasing the amount of noise generated when your cat is using their pet door. If you choose to do this, you must measure the hole your cat 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 made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door features an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has a strong magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000X more insulating than the aluminum used in the frames of pet doors that are inferior.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home when the flap is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what is known as draught excluders, which are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you want to use a cat flap for cold weather, ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps that let cold air in.
It is possible to help your cat's door stay closed against the winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. But, you should also consider the overall construction of a pet door and its materials. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that is able to stand up to temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This will prevent cold air from leaking in and keeps warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option.
Look for a design with double-flaps, which can be able to withstand cold and heat and also high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap versions but they will save you money on energy costs over time. This is especially important if you reside in a region which experiences harsh winters or summers.
Review reviews prior to purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to see which models have the highest reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is a popular choice because it provides excellent insulation and a durable flap, in addition to an easy-to-install, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door, another excellent choice. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to withstand the elements of wind and cold without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to prevent energy loss. The best cat flap insulation features a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. In addition, some models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out, if needed.
A great cat flap should be able to resist the wind and be secured with a magnetic seal. 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 your heating bill. A quality cold-weather model will come with magnetic seals that can withstand wind speeds that exceed 50 miles an hour. A lot models also have insulation to stop loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for cold weather available. The model is insulated in the frame and the door to provide maximum insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that can be slid in when the weather is bad to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic alternative. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction and keep your house warm. The frame is also welded using technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it durable and strong for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an excellent choice for cold weather. It is made from aluminum alloy of aerospace quality as well as steel, which 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 used in a wide variety of wall materials. The double flaps provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door for additional protection against extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm and avoid drafts, then look for a cat door that has insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame made from a material like aluminum, which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and reduce energy loss. You can locate doors with these features by looking for words like "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the item.
Many of the modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates have an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly as it is made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap you may still find that cold air is able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and the wall or window. This is because the flap itself creates an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by putting a draught-exclusion device around the outside of a flap. However, it is important to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the doors easily so that they can be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
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 have an insulated, thicker door that blocks the conductive heating. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, including temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection can be similar to double-pane windows but at a fraction of the cost.