Cat flaps allow your pet come and go whenever they want, without you needing to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
It is easier to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will require some knowledge and correct tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop the pet from straying too far either way.
If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill, then place it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure that you have clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, but don't press the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you want it to. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without worrying about them coming in with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature stable. However, installing an animal flap on your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the directions are adhered to.
While visit our website is far simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can end your warranty. First, you must take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough when you have the standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if you have an insulated or composite kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have the information you'll be required to mark the space with 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 is time to cut out the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, as it 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, as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily in place.
Cut a hole
It isn't easy to put an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the task for you. A botched job may not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly located and is flush with all the other components of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on hand to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety gear you require when working with a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is best to only remove the material needed to make the flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.
A upvc door may include a metal frame, or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you're installing an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed windows with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. This is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they're feeling like it. However, if you have an uPVC door it can be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut for one. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole through the door, however there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in the door.
Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models, from basic button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the 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.
It's a good idea select circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass fragments.
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