Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come whenever they want, without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Take a look at the Door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the instructions you can make it less difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
The first step is determine the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will allow you to choose a cat flap in upvc door panel flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.
If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill, you can stick it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Set a square to ensure that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the back door with cat flap fitted material off.
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 reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the directions are adhered to.
Although this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will invalidate the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you have this information, you will be required to mark the area with pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap installer flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it's best to employ an expert to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on ready to smooth any edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
It is important that you only cut away the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the cat flap. If this is the case, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you're installing an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This will be cheaper than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they feel like it. However, if you have an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap cover for winter flap, particularly if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to add an animal flap onto the doors. It's not just a matter of cutting a hole into the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure that it is safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically made up of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.
It's a good idea opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is especially important if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.