Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please without needing to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap in the front door is difficult, but so long as the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then complete the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X. However, some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you penciled in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home steady. However, putting an animal flap on your door could be an intimidating task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
While this is far simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you must be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard upvc door panels with cat flap panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat flap In upvc door panel's stomach, and you'll need locate a place near the door where this measurement is within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have the information, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to fit a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake could not only be ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.
It is crucial to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems or damage the doors frame.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap and in this case you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to an expert. They will provide you with a new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap in bifold doors flap. This will be cheaper than trying to install the flap into an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they like. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have a glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole through the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP back door with cat flap fitted panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models including basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat flap fitting near me is able to use the flap without getting caught in bad weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.
