Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the house.
It is simpler to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one but you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in 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 using the jigsaw to cut out the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and also protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, you can place it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Set a square to check that you're cutting properly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you have an already-cut square, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the remaining 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 stops draughts and keeps your home's temperature stable. However, installing the cat flap to your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, leading many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
This is much simpler to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. First, you must take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if you have an alternative type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you have this information you'll have to draw the area using an eraser and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily into place.
Cut a Hole
It can be difficult to fit a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth any edges.
Wear the safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is important that you only remove the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.
upvc door panels cat flap may have a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in 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 into a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own a glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to add an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up 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 of door typically includes a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in the rain.
It's a good idea opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is especially crucial if you have a child or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.