Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll need some skills and the appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will let you select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or cat Flap In upvc door panel unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home stable. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will 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 directions are followed.
Although this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you must be cautious not to damage the doors as this will cause damage to your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be simple enough when you have the standard uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if you have an insulated or composite type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid upvc cat flap door panels panels.
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. You'll need to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you've got the information you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap fitting near me flap will fit easily in place.
Cut a Hole
It can be difficult to install a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the job for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but also an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.
It is best to only remove the material required to create the 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 the door frame.
If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're installing a cat flap into the frame of a double glazed window with cat flap with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap fitting flap premade inside. It is cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and let them relax at home whenever they like. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to fit the cat flap to these doors. It's not a simple matter of cutting holes in the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat Flap In Upvc door panel flap. You can pick from a variety of designs, from simple push-button units to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is especially important if you have a child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.