Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your cat go in and out at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
It is simpler to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll need some skills and the right tools.
Take a look at the Door
Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge but if you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
The first step is measure the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine where on the door the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include drawings that show where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom of it then make sure you have enough space to keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you've drawn in. Don't press the blade too hard because this can make it cut faster than you'd like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are happy with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. Discover More stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home steady. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
While this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors, as this can end your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough for an ordinary uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if you have a composite or other type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you have the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut out the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. read full article and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a Hole
It can be difficult to install an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to do the job for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but it could also be an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at ready for any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.
You should only remove the material needed to make the cat 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 could cause issues and damage the doors frame.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you are fitting an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. It will be much cheaper to do this than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have a glass panel that is cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally 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 causing damage. This type door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in bad weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. cat flap cost 's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.