Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
Fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap in upvc door panel flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door 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 you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will need. This will enable you to select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X. However, some kits include drawings that show where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Then put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you penciled in, but don't press the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. If you have a set square then make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the directions are adhered to.
While this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you must be cautious not to damage the doors as this will invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you might need to be more careful.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a spot on the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information then you need to mark out the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw 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 while using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap double glazing flap can be easily inserted.
Make a hole
It can be a challenge to put an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's best to employ an expert to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you'll need to use an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to create the flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than that can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a 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 come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want and let them relax at home whenever they'd like. If you've got a uPVC door it can be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement upvc door panel with cat flap panel, it's possible to install a cat flap. It's not as easy as making a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to make sure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically made up of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This kind door has a template you can use to make the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can pick from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in bad weather.
It is a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children living at home who could be hurt by glass shattering.