Cat Flap Fitter Andover Hampshire (SP10): Fitting a cat flap to an exterior wall or door in your Andover home helps to give your cat the independence and freedom that it needs to live a life of contentment. When continuously kept inside, cats as with people, will get grouchy and irritated. When your precious cat is granted easy access to the great outdoors by way of a cat flap, there is a much better likelihood of it staying both mentally and physically healthy. If you choose to go down the cat flap route, your next decision will be what type of cat flap would be best.
The most fundamental kind of cat flap, is just that. A sheet of bendable material fixed over a hole in a door to permit a cat to go through, but keep the elements out. Naturally, this is really basic, and will not be adequate for most Andover cat owners, who would prefer something a tad more weatherproof and secure for an exterior door to their home, although it might be acceptable for a fence panel or shed door.
Since this option will allow other creatures or cats to enter your house, it isn't at all recommended, although it can be enhanced somewhat by holding the flap in position with the addition of magnetic strips.
The next step up from the magnetic strip design are RF chip or infra-red, magnetically operated cat flaps. This requires that your cat wears a collar that's got either an IR, RF chip or magnet encased in it. Unless an animal is fitted with one of these special collars, it will be unable to open the flap and leave or get into your home, thus keeping out some unwanted visitors. The drawback here is that any other moggy in the Andover area that's got a similar style of collar can gain access to your house with this sort of cat flap installed. Even these cat flaps can be enhanced to a certain extent with an RF cat flap/collar system providing an owner programmed unique identifier.
Picking a cat flap which can be operated by your cat's microchip, is the next step-up in access devices for felines. The number of your cat's micro-chip is programmed into the cat flap's memory (multiple entries are possible if you have several cats). Exit and entry are only possible for microchipped animals, and the flap is unlocked when you cat is nearby.
No matter what cat flap you buy, it should be capable of being locked in position. Currently, the majority of cat flaps available on the market have a four way locking system for extra flexibility. This means that the cat flap can be fully locked, enable exit only, enable access into your property only, or be set for two-way exit and entry. This provides you with alternatives for all times of day and night, to control exactly how your cat flap operates. In line with your cat's and your requirements, there is even the option to perform different functions according to the time of day, with several of the high end devices.
Putting in a cat flap on your own can be quite straightforward if you've got a solid wood door on your Andover home, and decent do-it-yourself abilities. However, if it needs to be installed into a reinforced uPVC door or in a double glazed window panel, you shouldn't even attempt it yourself. These types of fittings require a professional installation from a dependable cat flap fitter or odd job man with the necessary equipment and skills.
INSTALLING CAT FLAPS IN ANDOVER
Double Glazing Installations - If you bring in a "tradesman" who, while trying to fit your new cat flap, attempts to drill a hole in a double glazing panel, send them packing immediately. It's just not possible to install a new cat flap into a double glazed door panel or window pane. Making a hole in your double glazing damages not simply the strength and security of the panel, but it takes away the insulating properties too. The double glazing will be made unsound, and it should never be attempted under any circumstances whatsoever.
It will be necessary to obtain a new double glazing unit made especially for this purpose by a glazing company, and your chosen Andover cat flap installer will measure your current pane and order a brand new one. This new panel will arrive with a hole pre-cut as a part of its structure where the cat flap can be fitted. This is really the only way to fit a cat flap into an existing double glazed or patio door, although it may take two weeks or so to manufacture. When your new glass pane arrives, the installer will remove the old unit, and swap it for the brand new "cat flap ready" panel. It's now possible to install and set up the cat flap.
Exterior Wooden Doors - Timber doors are, as stated previously, the easiest options for cat flap installation in Andover. If you are dubious about creating a hole in your front door, it's wise to call on a professional to complete the task for you. This should provide you with the reassurance that you'll end up with an expertly fitted cat flap, and that the job has been accomplished correctly.
uPVC Door Panels - uPVC doors can be often be fitted with a cat flap. Nonetheless, certain uPVC door panels have got a steel lining for further security, which can cause some problems. The designs of door with a one piece panel are the simplest for installing cat flaps, so if yours has a slatted style door panel, it may be advisable to replace this with a single pane.
Wall Installation - If you don't really wish to have a hole cut into your doors, whether for security or aesthetic reasons, you could get a cat flap installed within an outside wall. Needing considerably more skill and equipment, a wall cat flap install is certainly best left to a specialist, if it's to be completed successfully. You can choose a straightforward tunnel style, or maybe a right angle model which permits entry through a pillar. This installation calls for a square hole being made through the wall of your choice, into which a metal or plastic, open ended square tube is inserted. Both ends of the hole are then fitted with a cat flap so your feline friend can get in and out of the house whenever it wants.
Replacing Your Existing Cat Flap in Andover - If your door, wall or window already has a cat flap installed, but it isn't working properly, or is damaged, it is quite possible to mount a replacement over the existing cavity. Your cat flap installer will be able to remove the old cat flap, without damaging the window, door or wall, and install a brand new flap in its place for your cat.
If the substitute cat flap is to be fitted into a pre cut hole in double glazing, you must make certain that the existing glass has been manufactured and installed in the right way. If you discover this isn't the case, and the previous owners have cut corners to install their cat flap, the glass pane must be taken out and replaced with a new one to avoid any safety and security problems.
FINDING A CAT FLAP INSTALLER IN ANDOVER
In and around Andover there are several handyman contractors, professional cat flap installers and even glazing merchants who provide cat flap installation services in windows, doors or walls. There are several ways to track down a decent cat flap fitter, and few are more reliable than asking friends and relations. If they've had comparable work carried out by a local Andover tradesman themselves, and been very pleased with the result, you can reasonably expect that they'll do a good job for you as well.
Where a personal recommendation is not possible, get at least three quotations from local Andover cat flap fitters or handymen. Study these closely and never automatically opt for the cheapest quote, as this won't necessarily be the best. Ask about any guarantees they might provide for their standard of workmanship and make certain it's backed up in writing, just in case something happens to go amiss.
If you pick a professional cat flap installer in Andover you will end up with a quality product, which is properly fitted, and that will give good service for years to come.
Cat Flap Weatherproofing Andover
Both indoor and outdoor cats can enjoy well-being and comfort if their cat flaps are weatherproofed. Rain, cold draughts, wind, and extreme temperatures are shielded from cats by a crucial barrier against the elements: a well-weatherproofed cat flap. This protective measure has both an impact on their safety and their overall quality of life.
Achieving weatherproofing for a cat flap requires the deliberate choice of materials and design characteristics that can withstand varying weather conditions. Top-quality seals around the edges of the cat flap are crucial to prevent rainwater from seeping indoors, ensuring that the environment is dry. The serious discomfort caused by cold draughts can affect the overall contentment and health of cats. To effectively weatherproof your cat flap, you need to use insulating materials that will help to maintain a pleasant indoor temperature, protect felines from chilling draughts, and ensure they remain warm and cosy.
Cat owners who allow their feline companions to go outside should prioritise weatherproofing. Exposure to rain, cold temperatures or strong winds can harm a cat's health. Offering cats a safe and comfortable entrance to the house, a properly weatherproofed cat flap becomes a vital lifeline for them.
Installing a tunnel extension alongside the cat flap can provide additional protection. To minimise the direct impact of severe weather conditions on the entryway, this extension serves as an intermediary zone. It helps to create a transition space that gradually brings the cat from the outside environment to the indoor sanctuary. If you want to prolong the longevity of your cat flap, you can install this tunnel extension, which helps to keep rainwater and debris away from its immediate vicinity. (74815 - Cat Flap Weatherproofing Andover)
Andover Cat Flap Installation Tasks
There are a wide array of tasks that can be accomplished by your local Andover cat flap installer including 2-way cat flap installation, cat flaps in metal doors Andover, the installation of 2-way cat flaps into wooden doors in Andover, Staywell cat flap installations in Andover, cat flap installation in wooden doors Andover, the installation of cat flaps into conservatories, infrared cat flap installation, cheap cat flaps in Andover, conservatory cat flap installations, 4-way cat flap installation, electronic cat flap installation, the fitting of 2-way cat flaps into porches Andover, cat flap weatherproofing, cat flap draughtproofing, Sureflap cat flap installations, the fitting of magnetic cat flaps into single glazing in Andover, magnetic cat flaps Andover, the installation of magnetic cat flaps into French doors, automatic cat flap installations Andover, the installation of electronic cat flaps into composite doors in Andover, Catmate cat flap installations, cat flap installation in walls Andover, replacement cat flaps Andover, pet flap installations, the installation of electronic cat flaps into double gazing Andover, and more. If there are additional Andover cat flap requirements that you need but cannot see here, you should mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. These are just a small portion of the tasks that are conducted by those specialising in cat flaps. Andover providers will be happy to inform you of their full range of services.
More Andover Tradesmen
Obviously, whenever you're doing home improvements in Andover, Hampshire, you are likely to be in need of all types of different tradespeople and along with a cat flap fitter in Andover, Hampshire, you may also need a blacksmith in Andover, a painter and decorator in Andover, garden decking in Andover, fascia & soffit installation in Andover, fencers in Andover, damp proofing in Andover, gutter cleaning in Andover, garden clearance in Andover, pond maintenance in Andover, a tiler in Andover, artificial grass installers in Andover, plumbers in Andover, a locksmith in Andover, garden shed installers in Andover, an electrician in Andover, a plasterer in Andover, SKIP HIRE in Andover, carpenters in Andover, property maintenance in Andover, scaffolding in Andover, and other different Andover tradesmen.
Cat Flap Fitters Near Andover
Also find: Andover Down cat flap fitters, Enham Alamein cat flap fitters, Anna Valley cat flap fitters, Weyhill cat flap fitters, Goodworth Clatford cat flap fitters, Hatherdean cat flap fitters, Kingsway Gardens cat flap fitters, East Anton cat flap fitters, Knights Enham cat flap fitters, Upper Clatford cat flap fitters, Abbotts Ann cat flap fitters, Picket Piece cat flap fitters and more.
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