Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will require some expertise and appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish off the job by attaching the cat 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.
The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will require. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without having to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits come with drawings that show where to drill, if yours does, then you can 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, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Set a square to check that you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the rest of the door material. If you own a set square then use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home steady. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
This is much easier to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough if you are using the standard upvc cat flap door panels door, but you may require more care if you have an alternative type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you have the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a Hole
The process of fitting cat flap in upvc Door panel a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get an expert to complete the task for you. A mistake could not only be ugly, but also pose a security threat. It could allow 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 it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand for any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you need to work with an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.
You should only remove the material needed to create the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.
A upvc door may include a metal frame, or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap in upvc door panel 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 gap and seal it with water.
If you're planning to install an animal flap to an upvc door or a double-glazed window with cat flap with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. It is cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind inside the house when they're feeling like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own a glass panel that can be cut. If you're able to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit the cat flap to the doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically has a template which you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.
Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in the rain.
It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.