Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come whenever they want without you needing to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the house.
It is simpler to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one, but you will require some expertise and correct tools.
Take a look at the Door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then complete the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
cat flap step RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door every time, but also small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines where 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 moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this will make it cut faster than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature steady. However, fitting a cat flap in your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, leading many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
While this is far simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you should be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can end the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it can fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you have this information, you will need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to put an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have a lot of expertise in DIY, it's likely to be best to have an expert to complete the job for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly, but also pose a security threat. 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 using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
It is best to only remove the material needed to create the flap. It is important to leave some 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 upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like and let them relax in the house when they'd like. However, if you have a uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're able to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not a simple matter of cutting a hole into the door. It is also necessary to perform a few steps to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually composed of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.
Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if there are children or elderly people at home who might be injured by glass shattering.