Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet move around whenever they want without needing to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
It is easier to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will require some knowledge and correct tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but if you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, use the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill, then stick it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these because this will ensure your cat flap installer's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Set a square to check that you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can begin removing the remaining door material. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the final result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the steps are followed.
Although this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible in upvc door panel cat flap doors with cat flap - although you should be cautious not to damage the doors since this could invalidate the warranty. First, you need to take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat flap installation bristol. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need to locate a place near the door that will be within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information, you will have to draw the area with an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to make the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever using the jigsaw, since breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you have to do is draw the location of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly located and is in a straight line with the other parts of the door. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at ready for any rough edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety gear for working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
It is best to only remove the material required to make the flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than this could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.
If you're installing the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It is much less expensive to get this done rather than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
cat flap in upvc door panel (dig this) flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house when they feel like it. However, if you have an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a replacement half-glazed upvc door panels with cat flap panel, it's possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not a matter of cutting an opening in the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass shattering.