Cat flaps allow your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to let him in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is a lot easier than 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 of the appropriate one and you follow the directions you can make it less difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the house and exit without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements you can mark where on the door the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it ensure that you have clearance from these to keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Utilize a set square to make sure you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. However, putting the cat flap to your door could be an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the directions are adhered to.
This is much easier to do on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. 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 distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need to locate a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information you'll have to draw the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
It can be a challenge to put an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
It is important that you only cut away the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc may 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 oversize hole to ensure 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 oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto a upvc door or double glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they'd like. However, if you have an uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly if you don't own glass panes that could be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to fit the cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. cat flap fitting near me is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide to cut the hole into your door.
Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap itself. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or family. This is especially important if there are children or elderly people at home who could be hurt by glass shards.