The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house at will is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the house if needed.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them in the house when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home too!
It is essential to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap as there are different sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too big or small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Before you take any action however, you should take a ruler and measure the length of the door in a variety of places along its edge. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few places. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they need to use the flap!
Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They can determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap you should purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the outline of the hole in the door. This will assist you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. For instance, if fitting the cat flap in the patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is best to delegate the task of installing the cat flap onto a glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass and you might find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they wish without having to leave him alone. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not good for you or your cat.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you consider fitting the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible, and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are made to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need to take a measurement of their height. This is easier if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too much. Once cat flap fitting near me Repair My Windows And Doors have their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you need to be careful. The process of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap in glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming fragile. A Glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap comes with a template drawing that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to be. If it doesn't, you can create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and will not slide open or close.
Then, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it up against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds on any points then you can use a file or a sandpaper to correct this.
Check that there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're planning to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. You should also be aware of any handles or other fixtures that are on the door that have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items during the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this can make the task.
It is always worth seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is crucial to get the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. It is important to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to test whether it is able to open easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.
If your kit doesn't have templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to put it into the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If your door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this then it may be wise to get an expert to complete the job for you. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
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 alterations made to the doors could make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
For composite doors, you'll typically need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than just through the GRP. This is a risky job, and you will require extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wood door.