Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the home.
It is simpler to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will need some skills and the correct tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but if you select the right kind of cat flap install flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish off the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the house and exit without needing to open the door each time.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, you can stick it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Use a set square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to start removing the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap fitting flap is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. However, fitting the cat flap to your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the instructions are adhered to.
It is much easier to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible using upvc door panel with cat flap fitted. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough if you are using a standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if using an insulated or composite kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a spot in the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap installer flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you 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 may not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand for any rough edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with the power tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.
A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and render it watertight.
If you are fitting cat flap in upvc Door panel an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be cheaper than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you have a uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to fit one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not a matter of cutting a hole into the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, upvc door panels cat flap, or GRP door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door has a template can be used to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install various models, from basic push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to select a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children at home who could be injured by glass shards.