Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your cat flap step go inside and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
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 right tools.
Take a look at the Door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap is in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
The first step is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will require. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to enter the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X. However, some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Use a set square to check that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin removing the remaining door material. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
This is much simpler to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough when you have an ordinary uPVC door, but you may require more care if you have an insulated or composite type of door as these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space on the door that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through wall cat flap. Once you have the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you know the opening will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily into place.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to put a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on hand for any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you require when working with a power tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the fitting cat flap in upvc door panel - More suggestions, flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is important to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you're looking to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to do this than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want and let them relax at home whenever they want to. However, if you own a uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite 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 have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a wide range of options, from simple push-button flaps to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.
It is a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home that might be injured by glass fragments.