Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out as they please without you having 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 a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.
Measure 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 directions provided, it should not prove to be too difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then finish the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without having 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 determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X. However, some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own an already-cut square, make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, installing the cat flap to your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many to hire a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
While this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors as this will cause damage to your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may need to be more careful.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need to locate a place on the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have the information you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you know the hole will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to make the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a hole
It isn't easy to fit an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless have plenty of experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have a professional in 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 get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. It is important to have some sandpaper on the ready for any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is essential to only cut away the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. cat flap installer near me is important to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This is less expensive than fitting the flap into an existing pane that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like, allowing them to relax at home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have an glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole through the door, however there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're 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 family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children in your home that might be injured by glass shattering.