Cat flaps allow your pet come and go at their own pace without needing to let him in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.
It is simpler to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will require some expertise and right tools.
Take composite door cat flap at the Door
The installation of a cat flap in the front door is difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X, however 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 it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge ensure you have enough space because this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Set a square to make sure you're cutting properly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. When 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 are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home stable. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
This is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using a standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if using an alternative type of door as these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you'll need locate a place 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 have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you have 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
It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have an expert to complete the job for you. A mistake could not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
You should only remove the material required to make the flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than that can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.
A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is important to fill in the gap and make it watertight.
If you're installing an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed window 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 already drilled inside. This will be cheaper than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they like. If you've got a uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not a matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually made up of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap. You can choose from a variety of options, from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children living at home who could be injured by glass shards.