Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and shields the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door each time, yet small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, but some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. If you have a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home steady. However, fitting the cat flap to your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, leading many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the instructions are adhered to.
It is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have a standard uPVC door, but you might need to take extra care if you are using a composite or other type of door since these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to make the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to put a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake could not only be ugly but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when the cat is inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.
It is essential to only cut away the material needed to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like, allowing them to relax at home whenever they'd like. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be hard to install the cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own a glass panel that can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk 's not a simple matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that it is secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models including basic push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.