Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating inside the house.
It is simpler to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and correct tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without needing to open and 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 mark where on the door the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure that you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to make sure 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 to remove the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.
This is much simpler to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage 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 be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough for a standard uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if you have an alternative type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to 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 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 uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Cut a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A botched job could not only look ugly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If upvc door panel cat flap concerned about the noise, you can purchase an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is essential to only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap, but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.
A upvc door may include a metal frame, or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have a glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add an animal flap onto these doors. It's not a matter of slicing holes in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that the door is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually composed of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically includes a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of options, from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
It's a good idea choose circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. 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 injure your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.