Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace without needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, but it requires some knowledge and the right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door can be difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the instructions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will enable you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill, you can stick it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you've drawn in. Don't press the blade too hard because this can cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. However, installing a cat flap in your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the instructions are followed.
While this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you must be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you might require more care.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have this information, you will be required to mark the area using a pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.
Once glass cat flap installation near me 've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Cut a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. It is important to have some sandpaper on the ready to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is important that you only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you are fitting an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll 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 is less expensive than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they want to. If you've got a uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that can be cut for one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add a cat flap. It's not as easy as making a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting 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 door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children in your home that might be injured by glass fragments.