Choosing Cat Flap Insulation

A cat flap can cause a draught if left open. This is a challenge that many cat owners face.

A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the house, but the cat flap that is insulated will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that work for all kinds of installations, including wall installations.

The Material

Insulation is one of the most important characteristics of the cat-door. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a variety of ways that insulation can be achieved, but the most important factor is the material the flap is made from.

Doors with triple or double flaps will provide more insulation and block cold air from entering your home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to cover the frame and cat flap insulation limit drafts. However, you need to keep in mind that these will not stop cold air from entering when your cat flap fitting is attempting to use their door at the same simultaneously.

Another option is to cover the space left by your cat flap with some form of insulation such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home, and also reduce the noise generated by your cat's pet door. It is important to note that if you choose to do this, it is vital to gauge the hole that your cat flap has created and select the filler material that is compatible with the surrounding material.

The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is a great option for high-quality cat flap. This door has a thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has a durable magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X better in insulating properties than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of lesser pet doors.

Wind Resistance

When a cat's flap is closed, cold air can still get into your home even though the flap is opened. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening which are essentially brushes. However, if you are seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation, you must ensure that your door is sealed tightly when shut, and that there aren't gaps that cold air can get in.

A solid magnetic seal is a way to help your cat flap stay shut against wind, however you should also take a look at the overall construction and materials employed in the pet door. The most effective doors for cold weather will be made from materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps and a frame that is able to stand up to temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will keep warm air out and prevent cold air from getting inside.

Choose a model with double-flaps that are able to withstand both heat and cold, as well high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap models, however they are a good investment that can help you reduce your energy bills in the long in the long run. This is especially important if you reside in an area that has extreme summers and winters.

Check reviews before buying a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it comes with a sturdy flap that is easy to install and has a and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great choice, with a lot of customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind while still allowing their cats to go in and out freely.

The Magnetic Seal

In cold weather, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is crucial to reducing energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation is made with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is in the door. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when needed.

A solid magnetic seal is essential for colder weather however, a great cat flap also needs to be able to withstand the wind. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as this will allow cold air into your home, which will increase the cost of heating. A good model for cold weather will have an electronic seal that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour. A majority models also have insulation to prevent heat loss.

One of the most effective cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated in both the door and the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It is equipped with the Snap On closing panel that can be inserted into the back door with cat flap fitted if the weather is not ideal to keep your pet inside.

Another great option is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for cold weather conditions.

The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for cold weather. It is constructed from aerospace quality aluminum alloy and metal steel, and is welded by using laser welding technology, which is used in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather, and it is able to be installed on a variety of wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency and it has a tunnel kit you can add to the door for additional protection in extreme weather.

The Design

If you want to keep your home warm and keep out drafts, look for a cat door that has insulation features. It could be a dual-flap system or a frame made from aluminum, which is less thermally conduction than PVC or Plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and help to reduce the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the item to find a door equipped with these features.

A lot of modern cat doors that are designed specifically for cold climates come with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap system and an insulated framework that can stand up to harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. 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 the flap is well-insulated, you may find that cold air can still flow through the opening between the door frame or window and the existing wall. The flap can create 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 exterior, but it is important to remember that your cat needs to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease so that they can go into and out when they need to.

Installing fitting a cat flap in a upvc door new pet door like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER, that is designed specifically for cold weather, is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet doors feature a thicker, insulated door that blocks the heating that is conductive. It is also able to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be similar to double-pane windows but at less cost.