Morse GillAllowing your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally active. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them inside when you're home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It is important to examine the door's measurements to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or too large and your cat will struggle to use it.
Take a ruler, and determine the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should determine the height of the door in a few spots. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine every time it wants to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They'll be able help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next step to do is mark the shape of the hole in the door. This will assist you when you're cutting the hole and save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. If you're installing the cat flap onto the patio door, it is crucial that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass you could want to delegate this task to a glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they like without needing to leave them to themselves. It can also help to stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are typically made with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Before you consider fitting a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturer because alterations could invalidate any warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to starting.
You'll have to measure their height to make sure they pass through the door. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you have their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the location of the flap's bottom. You can then mark this spot on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you have be cautious. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in the cat flap inside the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also be able to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap will come with a template that you can use to mark the area on your door where the hole needs to be. If it doesn't, you can make one using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn on the door, you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to properly fit into the opening and stop it from being capable of sliding open or close.
Then, you can make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC door use. It will usually be identified with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
You should also check whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting into since they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fittings on the door which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these problems. But, if your door is constructed of timber or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, it will make it more difficult to complete the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to do them correctly to avoid any future issues. If you do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged and could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Install cat flap glass door installation near me
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap in place to check if it fits and is able to open easily. If you notice any points that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they are able to fit and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap is in a flush position with the door.
Some kits include a template for this however, if it doesn't, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and mark the area where you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screw holes you'll need to use to fix it in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire a professional. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable to install an animal flap.
It is possible to install a cat flap into composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so because any changes to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you choose to complete the task yourself, be aware that it can be messy and possibly hazardous task.
You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself since it is very fragile. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to cut a hole in a door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.
