Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want without having to let him in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
It is easier to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll require some knowledge and right tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat door in a front door can be difficult, but as long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines you can make it less difficult. We will help you draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap is in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include a drawing that shows the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Set a square to check that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the remaining door material. If you own a set square then use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
While this is far easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could end your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you might require more care.
Next, cat flap installers near me will need to determine the belly height of your cat. 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. Once you've got the information you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, since breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to fit a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
The first thing to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly placed and runs parallel to the other parts of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is important that you only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap, but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you've got a uPVC door it can be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically composed of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. No matter which type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a much safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards glass.