Choosing Cat Flap Insulation

If you leave your cat's flap open, it may create draft. This is a challenge that many cat owners face.

A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air entering the house. However an animal flap offers better protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a range of insulated upvc cat flap door panels flaps and dog doors suitable for any type of installation, including wall-mounted installations.

The Material

Insulation is one of the most important aspects of a cat-door. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm in. Insulation can be achieved in various ways but the material from which the flap is made is the most important.

A single flap won't make much difference in insulation, but doors that come with triple or dual flaps are much more insulated and stop cold air from getting into the house. You can also buy draught excluders that go around the frame of the cat flap glass door installation near me flap and help to reduce drafts. Be aware that these products will not prevent cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door for your cat.

Another option is to fill in the area left behind by your cat flap with some form of insulation like styrofoam. This can help stop cold air from entering your home, as well as decreasing the amount of noise generated when your cat opens their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital to gauge the hole that your cat flap has created and choose a filler material that is in line with the surrounding material.

A great choice for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door features an insulated, thick flap that is designed to reduce conductive heat loss. It also has a durable magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X better in insulating properties than the aluminum material used in the frames of lesser pet doors.

Wind Resistance

If a cat flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home if the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce the risk of this by incorporating what is known as draught excluders which are essentially brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. However, if you are seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation, you will need to make sure that your door can seal tightly when it is shut, and that there are no gaps where cold air can pass through.

A strong magnetic seal is one way to help your cat flap stay shut against wind, but you must also consider the overall design and the materials employed in a pet door. The best pet doors for colder weather will be constructed of materials that are insulating. These include thick PVC flaps, as well as a frame that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from leaking in and keep warm air out, which is a big energy saver.

You should also look for double-flap models that can resist both cold and heat, as well as high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they are a good investment that will help you save money on energy costs in the long in the long run. This is particularly true if you reside in a region that gets harsh winters or summers.

Read reviews before purchasing a cold-weather cat flap to see which models have the best reviews and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a well-loved choice because it offers great insulation and a tough flap, and an easy-to-install and safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many customers praise its ability to withstand cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.

The Magnetic Seal

In cold weather, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to prevent energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is designed with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed even when your pet is inside the room. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when needed.

A high-quality cat flap must be able resist winds and also have a solid magnetic seal. You don't want your cat flap to be open by the wind in winter. This can let cold air into your house and increase your heating bills. A quality cold-weather model has an electronic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour. A lot of these models also come with insulation to prevent loss of heat.

The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps designed for cold weather available. The model is insulated in the door and frame to provide maximum insulation. It comes with an Snap On closing panel which you can put into the door when the weather is cold to keep your pet inside.

Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through wall cat flap conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it durable and strong for harsh winter conditions.

The Baboni pet doors are another excellent option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal and is welded with laser welding technology used in the automotive industry. Its design makes it impervious to harsh weather and can be incorporated into a wide variety of wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door for additional protection in extreme weather.

The Design

When you are choosing a cat flap step door that will keep your home warm and free of drafts, you should choose one with insulation features. This could be the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that prevent drafts and help to reduce the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door equipped with these features.

Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for cold climates, are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, helping to stop drafts and loss of heat. It is also green as it is made from an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pet and the planet.

Even the flap is insulated it is possible that cold air still flows through the gap between the frame of the door or window and the existing wall. The flap creates draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by providing what is known as a draught excluder which is placed on the flap's outside however, it is crucial to remember that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease to allow them to go into and out when they need to.

Installing a new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for colder weather, is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, more insulated flap that reduces conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy that is lost through the material. It also has the ability to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, however for a fraction of their cost.