Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much easier than in glass doors, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but if you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then complete the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without having to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you've drawn in, but don't press the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. If you have a set square then use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
Although this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you must be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough for a standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if using an insulated or composite type of door as these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
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 underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. 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.
After you have marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap in upvc door panel flap is easily inserted.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you require when working with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
It is essential to only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap cost flap, and in this case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you're installing the cat flap onto the frame of a double-glazed window cat flap with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It is cheaper to do this instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own a glass panel that is cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed upvc door panel cat flap replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing holes in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure that it is safe.
A composite, upvc door panels cat flap, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door usually includes a template which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.
It is a good idea to opt for a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who could be hurt by glass fragments.