Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come whenever they want, without you needing to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the right tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut out the door's area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap is in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to keep them from going too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed. typically this is done using 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 draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin to cut according to the lines you penciled in, but don't press the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the steps are followed.
It is much easier to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a spot near the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you know the opening will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.
Cut a Hole
Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing cat flap glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the job for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly, but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you need to work with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.
It is important that you only cut away the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to a specialist. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want and let them relax at home whenever they'd like. However, if you have an uPVC door it can be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed upvc door panels with cat flap replacement panel, it's possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need first to make sure it's safe.
A composite, upvc door panels cat flap, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models including basic push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flap in upvc door panel flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in the rain.
It is a good idea to choose circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.