Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want without you having to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the home.
Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the instructions you can make it less difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then complete the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to keep them from going too far in either direction.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, then place it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin to cut according to the lines you penciled in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this will cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. If you have an already-cut square, use it to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the remaining 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 unwanted gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the steps are adhered to.
This is much easier to do with doors made of wood, however it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you might need to be more careful.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a place on the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once cat flap installers near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk got the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time 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 using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is recommended to hire an expert to do the work for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but also a security risk and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and that it runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the door frame.
If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames, you'll need to consult an expert. They will provide you with a new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around as they please, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you have an uPVC door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit a cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of drilling holes in the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually includes a template that you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea select a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who might be injured by glass shattering.