Cat flaps allow your pet to move around whenever they want, without you needing to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.
Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy but if you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill then you can stick it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature in check. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.
It is much easier to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough when you have the standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if using an insulated or composite type of door since these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need locate a place near the door that will be within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
It isn't easy to fit a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of expertise in DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but also an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs flush with all the other components of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety gear you require when working with an electric tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
It is important that you only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In cat flaps , you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own a glass panel that can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's secure.
A composite door panel is typically made up of an extremely thin plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can choose from a wide range of options, from simple push-button flaps to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be hurt by shards of glass.