Cat flaps allow your pet to move around whenever they want without you having to let him in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the right tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is the right type and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how much to install a cat flap to mark out the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening 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 damaging the door.
The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will allow you to choose a cat flap installer flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the house and exit without needing to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this can make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own a set square then use it to check that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them coming in with visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
While this is far simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will invalidate the warranty. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of made of composite or another kind of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the bottom 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 Flap In Upvc Door Panel is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've got the information, you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the hole will fit your cat flap cover for winter.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust could be hazardous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have experience with DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the task for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but also an issue for security as well as allowing 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 with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the rest of the door. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on ready for any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you need to work with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.
It is important that you only cut away the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap in upvc door panel flap and in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you're planning to install an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This will be cheaper than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want, allowing them to relax in the house when they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, cat Flap In upvc door panel it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not just a matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure that it is safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door usually includes a template that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.