Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.
It is easier to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will require some expertise and right tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop the pet from straying too far either way.
Once you have the measurements you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge ensure that you have clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you have an already-cut square, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. However, fitting an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, leading many to hire a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.
It is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough when you have a standard uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if using an insulated or composite type of door since these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a spot near the door where this measurement is within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have this information then you be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a Hole
The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly located and is flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with an electric tool. If cat flap installer Repair My Windows And Doors are concerned about the sound produced by 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 required to create the flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want, allowing them to relax in the house when they want to. However, if you have an uPVC door it can be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing an opening in the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically has a template that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap itself. You can pick from a range of options, from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. No matter which type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in bad weather.
It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.