Allowing your cat to come and go out of the home at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally active. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they'd like without needing to open the door. This is a great method to keep your pet inside the home when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests out of your.
It's important to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too large or small and your cat may be unable to use it.
Before doing anything however, you should use a ruler to take measurements of the length of the door in several places along its edges. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few places. cat flap fitting Repair My Windows And Doors is because doors that are too high will cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it could be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who does this kind of work often. They will be able to assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
Draw the outline of your hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will assist you when you cut the hole and save you money!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct position. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on a patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.
If you have glass doors, it might be best to leave this task to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want, without needing to leave him all by himself. It also helps stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Before you decide to install an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturer because alterations could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
These doors are typically designed to last and are tough, with insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, but it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before beginning.
To ensure that your cat can access the door, you'll need determine their height. This is easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you will need be cautious. The process of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap should come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole will go. If it doesn't, you can make one using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being able to slide open or closed.
Next, take your jigsaw, and cut the design that was marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will usually be marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds on any points then use a file or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. Be careful not to harm them during the process.
The majority of people who install the cat flap themselves have the standard solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these issues. But, if your door is constructed of timber or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, it will add to the complexity of the task.
It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is crucial to get them right to avoid any potential problems in the future. It is important to get it right, as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to test whether it is able to open easily. If you notice any points that stick or catch, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit perfectly and can be opened without issue. Make sure that the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.
If your tool doesn't have an example, you could use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. 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). Mark four screw holes at each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to fix the flap in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite material, it can be more challenging. If you're not comfortable with this, it is recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so since any modifications to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, remember that it can be messy and dangerous job.
You'll need a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you will need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same change in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.