Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come at their own pace, without you needing to let him in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
It is simpler to install an animal flap on a upvc cat flap door panels panel than on a glass one however, you'll need some skills and the appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky but if you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and also protects the doors with cat flap from the damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and leave without having to open the door every time.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, then place it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw begin to cut according to the lines you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.
While this is far simpler when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will end your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. This should be easy enough for the standard uPVC door, however you might need to take extra care if you are using a composite or other kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you've got the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Cut a hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing cat flap glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be ugly but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air to enter when the cat flap in upvc door panel; click through the next article, is outside and hot air out when it is inside.
Mark the hole position on the back door with cat flap fitted using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
You should only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this can cause problems or damage the doors frame.
A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you're planning to install an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This is less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be hard to install the cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own a glass panel which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement upvc door panel with cat flap panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole through the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck in bad weather.
A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is especially important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.