Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat flap in upvc door panel from toileting inside the house.
It is much easier to put the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some expertise and right tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be a problem. We will help you draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door area. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and shields the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door each time, but also small enough to prevent them from moving too far either way.
Once you have the measurements you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits include a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you penciled in. Don't push the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. However, installing the cat flap to 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 joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the instructions are adhered to.
This is much easier to do with doors with cat flap made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be simple enough for the standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if using an insulated or composite type of door as these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you know this you'll be required to mark the area with an eraser and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Cut a Hole
It can be a challenge to put a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat flap glass door installation near me is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
You should only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto a replacement upvc door panel with cat flap door or double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a brand new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be cheaper than trying to install the flap into an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they like. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit an animal flap onto the doors. It's not just a matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure 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 base. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type door has a template can be used 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 choose from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in the rain.
It is a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have a child or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.