Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is much easier to put the cat flap fitting flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.
Take a measurement of 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 be showing you how to mark out the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish off the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will enable you to select a flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the home and exit without having to open the door every time.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill, then stick it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Set a square to check that you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. If you have an already-cut square, use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the instructions are adhered to.
This is much simpler to do with a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it can fit the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat flap fitting to comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Make a hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to do the work for you. A mistake could not only look ugly, but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly located and is flush with all the other components of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth out any rough edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
It is essential to only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the flap but removing more than that can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you're installing the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be cheaper than fitting the flap into an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement upvc door panels with cat flap uPVC panel, it's possible to install a cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole through the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.
After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.