Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel cat flap door panel is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat door into a front door could be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the instructions you can make it less difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to keep them from going too far in either direction.
If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill, then put it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Set a square to make sure you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. However, installing a cat flap in your door could be an intimidating task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the steps are followed.
It is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is possible with upvc door panel cat flap. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if using an alternative type of door as these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you know this you'll be required to mark the area with pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
It can be difficult to put an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional in to do the job for you. A botched job could not only be ugly but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when the cat is inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly positioned and that it runs parallel to the other components of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.
You should only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap if this is the case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not 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 planning to install an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed window with cat flap with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not designed for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own a glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole through the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of options, from simple push-button units to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in the rain.
A circular fitting cat Flap in upvc door panel is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.