Allowing your cat to move around the house as it pleases is an excellent way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without opening the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.
It is important to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are a variety of sizes available. This ensures that you get the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or large for your cat and he will have trouble using it.
Before doing anything but take a ruler and measure the width of the door in various places along its edge. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they want to use 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 often. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to buy.
Mark out the shape of the hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will help you when you're cutting the hole and will save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door it is best to let this job to a glazier. It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into the glass pane, and you may discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want, without needing to leave him alone. It can also help to stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you think about installing an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturers as alterations may affect any warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable, with insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of door, but it isn't easy to install the cat flap. If window with cat flap Repair My Windows And Doors UK whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before starting.
You'll need to determine the height of your child to make sure they fit through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they don't sway around. Once you have their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the position of the flap's bottom. This position can be outlined on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you will need to be careful. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, particularly when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire a glass installer when installing a cat flap in a pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming brittle. A glazier will also be capable of providing you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap should come with a template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole should go. If it doesn't, you could make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape has been drawn on the door, use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut out the shape drawn on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not, ask the staff in the DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made then place the flap against it and open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it is bound at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. You should also be aware of any handles or other fixtures that are on the door that have to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects in the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is made of wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed then this will add to the complexity of the job.
It is always worth seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is crucial to get them right to avoid any potential problems in the future. It is crucial to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap in place to see whether it can be opened easily. If you spot any areas that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without issue. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits include templates for this, however, even if yours does not, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper against the door and mark a line where you want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screws will be used to secure the flap in place.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If the door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this then it may be advisable to hire a professional to handle the job for you. They will also be able inform you if the door is suitable for the installation of a cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you choose to carry out the work yourself, remember that it can be messy and possibly dangerous job.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this could be a very hazardous job and you'll have to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself since it's extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid wooden door.