Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want without needing to let him in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.
It is easier to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will require some knowledge and appropriate tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door could be difficult, but provided that the
cat flap cost flap is the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to prevent them from going too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line 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.
Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the rest of the door material. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the directions are followed.
While this is much simpler to accomplish with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will invalidate your warranty. First, you must measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of made of composite or another kind of door, you might require more care.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a spot on the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you know this you'll be required to mark the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the task 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 get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready for any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you need to work
window with cat flap an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.
You should only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. It is essential to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap.
If you are
fitting Cat flap in upvc door panel a
cat flap installation flap into a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. This is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind inside the house when they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own glass panels that is cut. If you're able to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to install a cat flap to these doors. It's not as simple 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 secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind door has a template you can use to make the hole.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children at home who might be injured by glass shards.