Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They can also help keep your cat flap in bifold doors from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much easier than in a glass door, however it does require some skills and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky but if you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then complete the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. 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, but it is also small enough to prevent them from going too far either way.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine where on the door the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X. However, some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom of it then make sure you have clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Set a square to check that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the rest of the door material. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the remaining 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 guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home steady. Installing a cat flap cover for winter flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the directions are adhered to.
It is much easier to do on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough if you are using a standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if using a composite or other kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.
Cut a hole
It can be a challenge to install a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake could not only be ugly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready for any rough edges.
After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.
It is important that you only remove the material required to make the cat flap. It is important 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 door frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap installers flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to have this done than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
cat flap installation cost flaps allow your pet to come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own a glass panel that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door, however there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually has a template which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a variety of options, from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and only let your pet in. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular Fitting cat Flap in upvc door panel [telegra.ph] is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. It's also a safer choice to use since you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.