Cat flaps let your pet move around as they please, without you having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.
It is easier to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will require some expertise and correct tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
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 will need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.
If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill then you can place it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Next put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line that you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
This is much simpler to do with a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you will need to find a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you know this, you will have to draw the area with pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you create will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.
Make a hole
It can be a challenge to install a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than that can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the gap and render it watertight.
If you're planning to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to get this done rather instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit 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'd like. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. cat flap fitters Repair My Windows And Doors 's not as simple as cutting a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need first to ensure that it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind door has a template you can use to make the hole.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.