Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.
Take a look at the Door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult however, so long as the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. Repair My Windows And Doors UK will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
The first step is determine the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you will require. This will let you select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.
If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, you can put it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure you have clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the rest of the door material. If you own 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 a good rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.
This is much easier to do with doors made of wood, however it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. First, you need to measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you will need to locate a place on the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information then you be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth rather than 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 can be harmful for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.
Cut a Hole
Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly 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 inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using an eraser 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 sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
It is essential to only remove the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the the flap but removing more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you're planning to install an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be cheaper than fitting the flap into an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have an glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a range of designs, from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. No matter which type of cat flap you pick, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking if a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children living in your home who might be injured by glass shattering.