Cat flaps allow your pet to move around at their own pace, without you having to let him in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.
It is easier to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will need some skills and the right tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult however, so long as the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind causing damage.
The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door every time, but also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it then make sure you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line that you penciled in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this could make it cut faster than you want it to. If you own an already-cut square, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the remaining door material.
Draw upvc door panel with cat flap Repair My Windows And Doors is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without worrying about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the work. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
This is much easier to do with wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a place on the door where this measurement is within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are smooth and clean 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, as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. After you've finished the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you'll need to use a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is essential to only cut away the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and in this case you will need to cut 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 oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you're installing the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is cheaper to do this than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they're feeling 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 a glass panel which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add a cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually made up of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can pick from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. However, no matter what type of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. 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 a child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards glass.