Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please without needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Measure 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 instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then finish off the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. cat flap fitters near me will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to stop the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X, however some kits come with drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you own a set square then use it to check that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the remaining 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 a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, putting an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, which is why many to hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
This is much simpler to do on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to 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 that you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Cut a hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake could not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.
The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety gear you require when working with the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.
It is essential to only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't touch the wall of the cat flap. If this is the case, it is essential to fill in the gap and make it watertight.
If you want to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to install the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind inside the house when they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own a glass panel which can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to add an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door, however there are some things you'll need first to ensure 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. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models including basic button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards glass.