A cat flap could cause an air draught when left open. This is a problem many cat owners experience.
A draught-exclusion device can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house, but a cat flap that is insulated can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of cat flaps insulated and dog doors that are suitable for any installation including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. 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 constructed is the most crucial.
Doors with triple or double flaps will provide better insulation and stop cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draft restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
Another alternative is to fill the space left behind by your cat's flap some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home and will reduce the noise produced by your cat's pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital to measure the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose a filler material that is in line with the material surrounding it.
A great option for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door features an insulated, thick flap that is designed to limit conductive heat loss. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000 times more insulating than the aluminum frames of inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air can still enter your home when the flap is opened. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening which are essentially brushes. If you are planning 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 let cold air in.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to make sure your cat's flap remain shut against wind, but you must also consider the overall construction and materials employed in the pet door. The best pet doors for colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulation. These include thick PVC flaps and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which is a big energy saver.
Choose a model with double-flaps that can be able to withstand cold and heat and also high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, but they are a great investment that will help you save on energy costs in the long term. This is particularly important if reside in a region that experiences harsh winters and summers.
If www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk considering purchasing a winter cat flap, check the reviews to see which models are the best-reviewed and provide the best protection against the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice because it offers great insulation and a durable flap, and an easy-to-install secure, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to withstand cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder weather, a cat flap that seals tightly is essential to cutting down on energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation has an opening with a magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside the door. Additionally, certain models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for cold weather however, a great cat flap should also be able to resist the wind. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by winds in winter, since this could allow cold air to enter your home and increase your heating costs. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with a durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a lot of them are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for colder weather available. The model is insulated inside both the door and the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also has an opening panel that snaps on so can be slid in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another fantastic 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 also welded using automotive technology to make it strong and durable for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet door is an excellent choice for cold weather. It is constructed of aerospace quality aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, and can be positioned on various wall materials. Double flaps on the door provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be fitted to the door to provide extra protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and avoid drafts, then consider a cat door that is insulated. This could include dual flaps, or a thermally efficient frame made from a material like aluminum that is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help to reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. You can find doors with these features by looking for words such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" within the product description.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system as well as an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly, as it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for both your pets and the environment.
Even the flap is insulated it is possible that cold air can still flow through the opening between the door frame or window and the wall. This is because the flap itself produces an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is placed on the flap's outside however it is important to remember that your cat will need to be able to open and close the door with ease so that they can get in and out as needed.
The most effective option is to put in a new door that is specifically designed for colder conditions, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have a thicker, insulated door that reduces the heating that is conductive. It can also be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection can be compared to double-pane windows, but at only a fraction of the cost.