Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
window cat flap flaps allow your pet to move around as they please without needing to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
It is easier to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some knowledge and appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap in the front door is difficult, but as long as the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without needing to open the door every time.
If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill then you can put it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom of it then make sure you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line that you have pencilled in. Don't press the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you'd like it to. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are happy with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. However, fitting the cat flap to your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the instructions are adhered to.
This is much simpler to do on wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can fit the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult for a standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if using an insulated or composite door cat flap type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place on the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information then you have to draw the area using pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Cut a hole
It can be a challenge to put a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to do the work for you. A botched job could 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 have to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door using a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly placed and runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you need to work with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is crucial to only cut away the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc door panel with cat flap with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house when they feel like it. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.
Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can pick from a variety of designs, from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in the rain.
A circular fitting cat flap in upvc door panel - postheaven.net - is more effective than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.