Cat flaps let your cat go in and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
It is simpler to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one but you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
The first thing to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge then make sure you have enough clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to check that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin to remove the remaining door material. If you have a set square then use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the instructions are adhered to.
It is much easier to do with wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough for an ordinary uPVC door, however you may require more care if using an alternative type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have the information you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.
Cut a Hole
The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and more user-friendly.
It is important that you only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap, but cutting off more than this could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is crucial to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you are fitting an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It is much less expensive to do this than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they like. However, if you own an uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut for one. If cat flap installers near me repairmywindowsanddoors are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not a matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that it is safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models that range from simple button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a much safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people at home who could be injured by glass shattering.