Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. upvc door panel with cat flap can help stop your cat from urinating in the home.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to keep them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X, however some kits include drawings that show where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut 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 is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without having to worry about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
While this is far simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors since this could end the warranty. First, you must take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might require more care.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you will need to locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a Hole
It can be difficult to install the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to hire an expert to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is located and is in a straight line with the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety gear for working with a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
It is crucial to only remove the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.
If you're installing an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This will be cheaper than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and let them relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be hard to install a cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own glass panels that is cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit the cat flap to these doors. It's not as simple as cutting a hole through the door, however there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children living at home who could be hurt by glass fragments.