Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the house.
Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will help you draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far either way.
If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill then you can put it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure that you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting along the line that you penciled in, but don't press the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature in your home steady. However, installing the cat flap to your door could be an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, leading many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
Although this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could invalidate the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it can fit the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if you have an alternative type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you know this, you will have to draw the area using an eraser and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.
Make a hole
It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional in to do the job for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on hand for any rough edges.
After RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is essential to only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap.
If you're planning to install an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be cheaper than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you have a uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to fit an animal flap onto these doors. It's not a matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door typically includes a template which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models, from basic push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.