Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back as they please without you having to let them in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.
Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it does require some skills and the right tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap in the front door is difficult, but as long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the instructions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish off the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door every time, yet small enough to stop them from moving too far either way.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill then you can put it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to begin removing the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
It 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 since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you'll need locate a place near the door where this measurement will fall within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a Hole
Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have experience in DIY it is recommended to hire an expert to complete the task for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.
The first thing to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door with pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly placed and runs flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
It is crucial to only cut away the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.
If you are fitting an animal flap to the frame of a double-glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is cheaper to have this done than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install a cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own glass panels which can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to install the cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's secure.
A composite door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door has a template can be used to cut the hole.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a wide range of options, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. upvc cat flap door panels is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children in your home that could be injured by glass shards.