A cat flap could cause a draught if left open. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the home, however an animal flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that work for all kinds of installations that include wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be accomplished in a variety of ways but the material that the flap is constructed is the most important.
A single flap won't accomplish much in terms of insulating your home, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are far more insulated and stop cold air from entering the home. You can also purchase draft excluders that fit around the frame of the flap and help reduce drafts. You should be aware that they will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Another option is to fill in the space left by your cat flap with some form of insulation such as styrofoam. This can help stop cold air from entering your home, while also reducing the amount of noise that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. If you choose to do this, you should take a measurement of the hole your cat's flap has created and choose an appropriate filler to match the fabric.
A great option for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has a strong magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its celluloid 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 door is opened, it creates a draft, which means that cold air can get into your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers try to minimize the risk of this by incorporating what's known as draft excluders which are essentially brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you want to use a cat flap for cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps that cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one method to ensure that your cat's flap remain shut against wind, but you should also take a look at the overall design and the materials that are used in the pet door. The best doors for pets in colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulate. They include thick PVC flaps, and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
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 models, but they can help you save money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important when you reside in a region which experiences severe winters or harsh summers.
If you are considering buying a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to see which models have the highest ratings and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and a simple to install secure, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option, with numerous customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while still offering the ability for their cats to go in and out without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to reduce energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is designed with an magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door shut, even when your pet is inside it. cat flap install come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if needed.
A strong magnetic seal is vital in colder weather however, a good cat flap also needs to be able to withstand the wind. It is not necessary for your cat flap to be blown open by the wind during winter. This will let cold air in your home and increase your heating bill. A good cold-weather model will come with an electronic seal that is able to withstand winds that exceed 50 miles an hour. A lot of these models also have insulation to stop loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps designed for cold weather available. It is insulated in both the door and frame to give the best amount of insulation. It includes an Snap On closing panel which you can put into the door when weather is bad in order to keep your pet safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a excellent option for cold weather. It is constructed from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather conditions and can be incorporated into various wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door to provide extra protection during 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. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame made from aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help to reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. You can find doors with these features by searching for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
Many of the modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates are equipped with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for example, has two flaps and an insulated frame that is able to withstand the harshest weather conditions, helping to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also eco-friendly, as it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for both your pets and planet.
Even even if your cat flap is insulated however, cold air still flows through the gap created between the door frame or window and the wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to limit this by providing what is called a draught excluder that is placed around the outside of the flap however it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and close the door easily so that they can get into and out when they need to.
Installing an entirely new pet door, like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER, that is designed specifically for colder weather, is an effective option. The RANGER pet doors come with an extra thick, insulated door that blocks the heating that is conductive. It is also able to endure extreme temperatures, such as temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at less cost.