Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet move around at their own pace without you having to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is much easier to put a cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but if you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then finish the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of 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 big enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Use a set square to check that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home stable. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
While this is far simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could invalidate your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you have this information, you will need to mark out the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once cat flap fitting near me 've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to put an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless have experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional in to do the task 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 when inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and aligns with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is important that you only cut away the material required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc could have a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you want to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This is less expensive than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they'd like. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type door has a template can be used to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models including basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a safer option as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who could be injured by glass fragments.