Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go at their own pace without you having to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap in upvc door panel (unsplash.Com) flap inside a door can be tricky however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind causing damage.
The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you will need. This will let you select a flap that is large enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without needing to open the door every time.
If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill then you can stick it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge then make sure you have enough space to ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Set a square to ensure that you're cutting properly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the rest of the door material. If you have a set square then use it to check that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap fitters near me flap to your door may seem daunting to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
While this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors since this could invalidate the warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. This should be easy enough when you have the standard uPVC door, but you may require extra care if you are using an insulated or composite kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through wall cat flap. Once you have this information you'll be required to mark the area using an eraser and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
It can be a challenge to put a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to complete the work for you. A botched job could not only look ugly but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready for any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.
You should only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.
If you are fitting the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you have an uPVC door, it might be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally made up of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models, from basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. No matter which type of cat flap fitting near me flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in bad weather.
It is a good idea to opt for a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.