The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house whenever it wants is a great way to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the house if necessary.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet safe in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from getting into your.
You should examine the door's measurements to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it may be too large or small and your cat may be unable to use it.
Use a ruler to determine the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do an acrobatics routine each time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it may be a good idea to seek help from a glazier or someone who does this type of work frequently. They will be able to assist you in determining whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to purchase.
Mark out the shape of your hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will aid you when you're cutting the hole and will save you money!
Make sure to put the hole in the correct position. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap inside the patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
If you have a glass door you could want to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into the glass pane and you could be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want, without needing to leave him on his own. It can also stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the installation is different. Before you decide to install the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible, and you have checked with the manufacturer because alterations could invalidate any warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take the height of your child to make sure they fit through the door. This is easier if they are sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too often. Once you know their height you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the position of the flap's bottom. This location can be outlined on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also be able to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap comes with a drawing template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole needs to be. If it isn't, you can make one yourself using the thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening and will not slide open or close.
Next, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the design that is on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will usually be marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole drilled and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it binds at any point, use a file or rasp to fix this.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're going to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door that must be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be cautious not to cause damage to these items during the process.
Most people who install the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door, and therefore will not have to worry about any of these issues. However, if Repair My Windows And Doors is constructed of wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will add to the complexity of the job.
It is always worth seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs as it is crucial to get them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. It is important to do it right because making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and void the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap in place to see whether it is able to open easily. If you notice any points that stick or catch to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit perfectly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits include an example of this, however, even if yours does not, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Make four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screws you'll need to use to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If the door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this, it might be wise to get a professional to handle the work for you. They can also tell you if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be a messy and potentially hazardous task.
With composite doors, you'll generally need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door panel itself instead of just cutting through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to make holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood door.