Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
It is easier to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will need some skills and the correct tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap fitters near me flap inside the door isn't easy but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door every time, but also small enough to keep them from going too far either way.
Once you have the measurements you can mark the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, but some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able to take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.
Although this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you should be careful not to scratch the doors as this will invalidate the warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. 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's time to make the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire an expert to complete the job for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.
The first thing to do is draw the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs parallel to the other parts of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand to smooth any edges.
Wear the safety equipment you require when 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 important that you only cut away the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the door frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.
If you are fitting an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap installation in glass doors near me flap already drilled inside. It is cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Fit the Flap
cat flap double glazing flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want and let them relax at home whenever they want to. However, if you own an upvc door panel cat flap door, it might be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut for one. If you're willing to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to install the cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as simply making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind door has a template you can use to make the hole.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can pick from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. However, no matter what type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel can use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.