Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come whenever they want without you needing to let them in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door could be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines you can make it less difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
The first step is determine the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will let you choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure you have clearance from these to keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw begin to cut along the line you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you'd like it to. If you own an already-cut square, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the steps are followed.
Although this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you should be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can end the warranty. First, you must take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough if you are using a standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if you have a composite or other kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.
Cut a hole
It can be a challenge to put a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless you have a lot of experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have an expert to complete the task for you. A botched job may not only look ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
You should only remove the material required to make the flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're installing the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have an glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the 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 do first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. But, regardless of cat flaps for french doors of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea choose circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who might be injured by glass fragments.