Cat flaps allow your pet come and go whenever they want without needing to let him in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
It is simpler to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some expertise and correct tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult, but so long as the cat flap is the right type and you follow the directions you can make it less difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut the door area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the cat flap. cat flap installation Repair My Windows And Doors will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will enable you to select a flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.
If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill then you can stick it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge ensure you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Set a square to ensure that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the rest of the door material. If you own an already-cut square, make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, putting the cat flap to your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
This is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. First, you need to take measurements of the door 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 a different type of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you know this then you have to draw the area with pencil and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily in place.
Cut a hole
It isn't easy to install the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs parallel to the other parts of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on hand for any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to create the flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't touch the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is essential to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you are fitting an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house when they want to. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add a cat flap to these doors. It's not as simple as just making a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically made up of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and only let your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.