Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please, without you having to let him in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.
Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of upvc door panel cat flap is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it does require some skills and the right tools.
Take a look at the Door
Fitting Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel (Www.Nlvbang.Com) a cat door in a front door could be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the directions you can make it less difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door 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 yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Set a square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. However, fitting a cat flap in your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
While this is far easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you will need to locate a place in the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you are sure that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing cat flap glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door with an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly located and is flush with all other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready to smooth any edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to create the flap. It is important to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.
If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.
If you are fitting a cat flap into a upvc door or double glazing cat flap glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. It is cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow 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 may be difficult to install an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to install an animal flap onto these doors. It's not just a matter of drilling a hole into the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is better 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 they are drilled. It's also a safer option to use as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home who could be hurt by glass shattering.