Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace without you needing to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.
Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door can be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the instructions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut the door's area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home stable. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the instructions are followed.
This is much simpler to do with wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it can accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. cat flap fitting near me will need to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, since breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to fit a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A botched job may not only look ugly, but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.
The first thing you have to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is located and is parallel to the other parts of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
It is important that you only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than that can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they're feeling like it. However, if you own an uPVC door, it may be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole through the door, however there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models, from basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if a drill is used on it. It's also a safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.