Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet move around whenever they want without you needing to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, but it requires some knowledge and the right tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but if you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be a problem. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap is in place and shields the doors from the 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 go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to stop the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include drawings that show where to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure 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 in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are happy with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
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 helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, putting an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
While this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have the standard uPVC door, but you might need to take more care if using an alternative type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the amount of 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 so that you can be certain that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat flap install.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to make the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to put a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly, but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door with pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
It is important that you only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap in upvc door panel (blogfreely.net) flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the flap, but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.
If the door is made of upvc door panel cat flap and features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you are fitting a cat flap into an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like, allowing them to relax in the house when they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own a glass panel which can be cut. If you're able to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to install an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as simple as simply making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models including basic push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
It's a good idea select circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or your family. This is especially important if there are elderly or children living in your home that could be hurt by glass fragments.