Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want, without you having to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the house.
Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will help you draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
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 to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door every time, but it is also small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this will make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own an already-cut square, use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. However, installing the cat flap to your door could be an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the steps are followed.
It is much easier to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it will accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may require more care.
cat flap step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need locate a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information, you will have to draw the area with an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.
Cut a Hole
It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake 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 out when inside.
The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is located and is in a straight line with other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
You should only remove the material that is required to create the flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc may contain a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into the frame of a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they want to. If you've got an uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly in the absence of glass panes that could be cut to fit one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install a cat flap. It's not just a matter of drilling holes in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP 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 typically has a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in your door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models, from basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home that could be injured by glass shards.