Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet move around at their own pace, without you having to let him in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is much easier to put the cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will need some skills and the appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish off the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap remains in place and protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to keep them from moving too far either way.
If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, then stick it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you penciled in, but don't push the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without worrying about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, installing a cat flap in your door could be an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.
This is much easier to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough if you are using a standard uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if you have an alternative type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust could be hazardous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.
Cut a Hole
It can be a challenge to fit an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.
The first thing to do is draw the location of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly located and is flush with all other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want and let them relax at home whenever they'd like. However, if you own an uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement upvc door panel with cat flap uPVC panel, it's possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not a simple matter of cutting a hole into the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap fitters flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting cat flap in upvc door panel is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.