Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.
It is simpler to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door could be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the instructions you can make it less difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include 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 a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin to cut according to the lines you penciled in, but don't push the blade too hard as this can cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can take out 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 unwanted gifts in the home. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the directions are followed.
It is much easier to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is still possible using uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it will fit 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, fitting cat flap in upvc door panel you may have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat flap cost's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a spot on the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to install an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not only look ugly, but also an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety equipment when 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 more user-friendly to use.
You should only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is important to fill in the gap and render it watertight.
If you are fitting a cat flap an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame then 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. It is cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like, allowing them to relax at home whenever they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own an glass panel which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not just a matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically has a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.
After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models including basic push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
It's a good idea opt for a circular Fitting Cat Flap in upvc door panel; squareblogs.net, rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer option to use as you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that could be hurt by glass fragments.