Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut the door area. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.
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 include drawings that show where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to check that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can begin removing the remaining door material. If you have a set square then make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without worrying about them coming in with visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. However, fitting the cat flap to your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the steps are followed.
While this is much simpler to accomplish with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area on the door that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you know this then you be required to mark the area using 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. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Make a hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is recommended to hire an expert to do the job for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety gear for working with the power tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is crucial to only cut away the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the door frame.
A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you want to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. upvc door panel replacement cat flap repairmywindowsanddoors can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own a glass panel that is cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not as simple as simply making a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide to cut the hole into the door.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flap you pick, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
It's a good idea opt for a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have a child or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.