So you want to have a beautiful house AND take care of your beloved pets? In this article we’re going to round up the best options when it comes to .
And it’s not just limited to cats; they are available for a whole range of animals, with dog flap doors being another common request.
These devices can indeed be incorporated into any style of ; timber, composite, aluminium or UPVc or successfully and without compromising the huge benefits that offers.
Types of dog and flaps
Whether you’re looking to get a or fitted in a or a , there are various options.
The most basic is the or four-way locking system.
This controls the opening of the by your professional installer. with both entry and exit movement, locking entirely or a one-way operation. Whilst flaps can be purchased in most DIY stores or pet shops, it is best installed into
The microchip dog or recognises your animal’s unique microchip implant, ensuring only your pet uses the doorway, blocking the way to neighbour’s pets and strays. Some even have a ‘curfew mode’, enabling it to be programmed to lock and unlock at specific times.
for composite and aluminium doors are totally possible, but will need careful attention as the metal can potentially interfere with the microchip reader.
The magnetic/electromagnetic and is operated via a magnet on your pet’s collar.
These also ensure that no other dogs or cats gain entry to your home, but watch out: they are not suitable for double-glazed doors containing metal (and even some UPVc units contain hidden reinforcing metal). Check first with your supplier.
The infrared or is also operated by contact with the animal’s collar which contains an infra-red key.
Whilst the ‘key’ is fairly unique, there may be as many as four unique codes per collar so potentially a neighbour’s pet could carry the same code.
Can I find a dog or to suit the size of my pet?
Whilst there are standard sized dog and flaps, extra large ones are available for pets who need a more generous gap.
Check with your manufacturer as to the range of sizes they offer and discuss which would most likely suit your pet.
As a broad size guide:
- Conventional flaps: 195 mm (w) x 185 mm (H)
- Microchip flaps: 142 mm (W) x 120 mm (H) up to 178 mm(W) x 170 mm (h).
- Dog flaps: 270 mm (W) x 300 mm (H)
Incorporating a into a or
Incorporating a into your double glazed home is easy. However, cutting into will only cause the unit to shatter. or
Cutting into double glazed units will also destroy the seal so this means that need to incorporate the units at the time of manufacture.
In terms of budget , it is possible to purchase your own and ask your tradesman to install it for you if cost is an issue.
Check your guarantee for this however, as a poor quality animal condensation. could cause units to mist up with
You’ll need to know who, in this case, is responsible and if your guarantee stands.
When your is incorporated at the time of manufacture, a hole is made in the specially to accommodate it (ensuring an air-tight fit later).
This allows you to benefit from the thermal efficiency and noise reduction that you’d expect from .
Once the for the or has been toughened, and correctly-sized, pre-holes are added to each piece. It is then manufactured into a double- .
Your bespoke unit is fitted at your property and the addition of the or installation can be made.
When replacing an existing to put a cat flap in the process could take as little as 4- 5 working days from measure to supply.
For timber, composite or UPVc doors with panels, the hole into which the is fitted, is usually cut on site provided the surfaces are flat.
Note: It’s often not recommended to cut holes in decorative panels as this is prone to ‘gapping’.
Will my cause a draught?
Homeowners often worry about this.
Understandably, nobody wants to spend large amounts on their home only to find the is allowing a draught into the house.
The design of dog and fitter, with the correct tools, will give you added peace of mind. flaps ensure that, once in situ, the seal is air-tight. Using a qualified
So, banish that and frequent meowing whilst your waits to be let out. Allow yourself peace of mind knowing that your much loved pet can have the freedom to come and go as they please and enjoy important exercise whilst you get on with life.
Our stylish homes need not be at the expense of our cherished pets but instead, encompass our whole range of lifestyle choices!
Looking for more ideas for double glazing? Check out all our guides to choosing windows, doors and conservatories.