Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet come and go whenever they want, without you having to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap in the front door is difficult however, so long as the cat flap is the right type and Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then complete the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and shields the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap you need, 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 every time, but it is also small enough to stop them from going too far either way.
If your kit comes with a drawing showing where to drill, you can put it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you'd like it to. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home stable. However, putting the cat flap to your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are followed.
While this is far easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can end your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will accommodate the new Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using the standard upvc door panel with cat flap door, but you may require more care if you have an insulated or composite type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you know this then you need to mark out the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to install the cat flap cover for winter flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.
You should 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 off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap and in this case you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you're looking to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with an expert. They will provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they'd like. If you've got a uPVC back door with cat flap fitted it can be difficult to install a cat flap, especially in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole through the door however, and cat flap In upvc door panel there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of options, from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea choose circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.