Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want without needing to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
fitting cat flap In upvc door panel a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door each time, yet small enough to keep the pet from straying too far either way.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill then you can stick it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once 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 in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. However, putting the cat flap to your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
While this is much simpler to accomplish with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you must be careful not to scratch the doors as this will end the warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using the standard uPVC door, however you might need to take extra care if you are using an alternative type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area on the door that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap in upvc door cost flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but also an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready for any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use an electric tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and more user-friendly.
It is important that you only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is necessary to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap bifold doors flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you're planning to install an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It will be much cheaper to have this done than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have an upvc door panel with cat flap fitted front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own an glass panel that is cut. If you're able to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial 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 have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea select circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children living at home who might be injured by glass fragments.