Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come whenever they want, without you having to let him in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the appropriate tools.
Take a look at the Door
Installing a cat flap cost flap on the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain causing damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will let you select a flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the work. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
This is much easier to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors since this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you might require more care.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you have this information you'll need to mark out the area with pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a dust mask when using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have plenty of experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional to do the task for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly placed and runs parallel to the other parts of the door. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth any edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole window with cat flap the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with the power tool. If you are worried about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is essential to only cut away the material that is required to make the cat flap installation cost near me flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc may contain a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and in this case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is done, it is important to fill in the gap and render it watertight.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto a upvc door or double-glazed window cat flap with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap inside. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like, allowing them to relax at home whenever they'd like. However, if you have a uPVC door, it may 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, it's possible to add an animal flap onto the doors with cat flap. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a range of designs, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap without getting trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting cat flap in upvc door panel is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who might be injured by glass shattering.