Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door could be difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing 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 use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure that you have enough space as this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Set a square to check that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature steady. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the directions are followed.
Although this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, but you may require extra care if you are using an alternative type of door since these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to make the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to install the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have a lot of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the location of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is located and is in a straight line with the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
fitting cat flap in upvc door panel should only remove the material required to make the cat flap. It is important 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 could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're installing a cat flap into an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap inside. This will be cheaper than trying to install the flap into an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they'd like. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have an glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to install a cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as making a hole in 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 generally comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This kind door has a template can be used to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of options, from simple push-button flaps to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking if a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who could be hurt by glass fragments.