Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
From Shiapedia
Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel from peeing in the house.
Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult, but as long as the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then complete the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
The first step is determine the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X, but some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Set a square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to begin removing the rest of the door material. If you have a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are happy with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the directions are adhered to.
This is much simpler to do on a wooden door, but it is still possible with upvc cat flap door panels. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it will fit the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult when you have a standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if using an insulated or composite type of door since these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need locate a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have this information, you will have to draw the area with a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Make a hole
It can be a challenge to install the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when the cat is inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.
It is important that you only cut away the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap in a double glazing cat flap-glazed or upvc window cat flap with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They can provide you with a new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Install 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're feeling like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own a glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing an opening in the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit various models including basic push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially important if there are elderly or children in your home who could be injured by glass shattering.
