Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet move around at their own pace without having to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
It is simpler to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and correct tools.
Take a look at the Door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will show you how to mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will enable you to choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Utilize a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the remaining door material. If you have an already-cut square, use it to check that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. However, putting a cat flap in your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
Although this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors as this will end your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of made of composite or another kind of door, you may have to be more cautious.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat flap in upvc door panel's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a spot near the door where this measurement is within the range your cat flap double glazing can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information then you need to mark out the area with pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to install a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the task for you. A shoddy job might not only look ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you need to work with a power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.
You should only remove the material required to fit the flap. It is important to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you are fitting an animal flap to a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap In upvc Door Panel flap already drilled inside. This is less expensive than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own glass panels which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not a matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, upvc door panels with cat flap or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door has a template can be used to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.
A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children at home who might be injured by glass shattering.