Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.
Fitting Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door can be difficult, but as long as the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will let you choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to enter the home and exit without needing to open the door every time.
If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, then stick it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat flap cost and these elements.
Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines 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. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're 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 in and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap to your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.
This is much simpler to do on a wooden door, but it is still possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you might require more care.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a hole
It isn't easy to install the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark the position of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and that it runs flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is important that you only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't touch the wall of the cat flap, if this is the case, it is essential to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto a upvc door panel with cat flap fitted door or double-glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap installation flap inside. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they're feeling like it. If you've got a uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut for one. If you're willing to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not as simple as cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea opt for a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.