Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet move around as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the house.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it does require some skills and the right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to go into the house and leave without having to open the door each time.
If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill, then stick it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it ensure you have clearance from these to keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, but don't press the blade too hard, as this can cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. If you have a set square then use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk lets you to let your pet go inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home stable. However, putting the cat flap to your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.
It is much easier to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors since this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you must measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may require more care.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place near the door where this measurement will fall within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have the information, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Cut a Hole
It can be difficult to put the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have a professional in to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready to smooth any edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
You should only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than that could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you are fitting the cat flap onto a upvc door or double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap in it. This is less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have glass panels that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not a matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind door has a template can be used to cut the hole.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.
It is a good idea to opt for a circular fitting rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be hurt by shards of glass.