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. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.
It is easier to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will require some knowledge and right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but if you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the house and exit without needing to open the door each time.
If your kit comes with a drawing showing where to drill, then place it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom of it ensure you have enough space because this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines you've drawn in, but don't press the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. The installation of a cat flap fitting flap your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
While this is much simpler to accomplish with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will end the warranty. First, you must take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough when you have an ordinary uPVC door, but you may need to take extra care if you are using an insulated or composite kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a spot on the door that will be within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have the information, you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap step flap will fit easily into place.
Cut a hole
It can be difficult to fit an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it's best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and more user-friendly.
You should only remove the material needed to fit the flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems and cat flap in upvc door panel even 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 scenario you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the flap.
If you are fitting a cat flap into a upvc door or double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. This is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they're feeling like it. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to install an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install a cat Flap in upvc door Panel flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing holes in the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models that range from simple push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It is a good idea to opt for a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home that might be injured by glass shards.