Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it will require some expertise and the right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door could be difficult, but as long as the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
The first step is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to prevent them from going too far either way.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line 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.
Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin to cut along the line you penciled in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw cat flap bifold doors is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature in check. However, fitting an animal flap on your door could be an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before, leading many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
It is much easier to do on wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can fit the new cat flap. This should be simple enough when you have a standard uPVC door, but you may require extra care if you are using a composite or other type of door as 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 distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you know this then you have to draw the area with pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily in place.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to do the work for you. A mistake could not only look ugly, but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on hand for any rough edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
It is best to only remove the material required to create the flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than this could cause issues and damage the doors frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and let them relax in the house when they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own a glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add a cat flap. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically composed of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door has a template you can use to make the hole.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a range of options, from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in bad weather.
It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home that might be injured by glass shattering.