Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet move around at their own pace without you having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the house.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult however, as long as the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut out the door's area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the house and exit without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark where on the door the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure you have enough space to keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the rest of the door material. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. 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 method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature steady. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.
This is much easier to do on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the 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 pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
It can be difficult to fit an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.
The first thing to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door with pencil and an ax level. cat flap installation will ensure that it is located and is flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
You should only remove the material required to create the flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the house when they like. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add a cat flap. It's not a matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models, from basic push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards glass.