Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house whenever it wants is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the home when necessary.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they'd like without needing to open the door. This is a great way to keep your pet inside the house when you're away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from entering.
It is essential to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your door made of upvc. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or too small and your cat may be unable to use it.
Before you take any action but use a ruler to measure the width of the door in several places along its edges. You should also measure the height of the door in a few spots. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do an acrobatics routine each time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be best to ask for assistance from a glazier, or someone who does this type of work regularly. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and can advise you on what size flap to buy.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark the shape of the hole on the door. This will help you when you're cutting the hole and will save you money!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct location. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass it is best to let this job to a glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you having to leave him on his own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat as well as you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can cause warranty issues.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be tough and durable with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, but they may be difficult to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take their height to make sure they pass through the door. This is easier when they're asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too often. Once you've established their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. This position can be outlined on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you have to be careful. The drilling process can make cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. Repair My Windows And Doors UK is why it's highly recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to break and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap comes with a template that can be used to mark the spot on your door where the hole needs to go. If it doesn't, you could create your own by using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.
Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the shape marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will typically be labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut and the flap is placed against it and open it, making sure that the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use the filer or the rasp to correct this.
Check that there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to install the cat flap. You should be cautious not to scratch them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, so they will not have to face these problems. However, if your door is constructed of wood or has decorative panels that cannot be removed then this will increase the difficulty of the job.
For these types of jobs, it's worth getting expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is crucial to do them correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've made your hole, place the flap to check whether it opens and fits. If you notice any spots that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.
Some kits come with templates for this, but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could use a piece or thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Make four screw holes on every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screws will be used to secure it in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this, it might be wise to get a professional to handle the job for you. They should also be able to help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you want to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you do decide to do the work yourself, remember that it can be messy and dangerous job.
You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you will have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It is important to note that it is much more difficult to make a hole in a door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.