Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
From Shiapedia
Cat flaps allow your pet move around whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.
It is much easier to put the cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening 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 rain and wind which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the fitting cat flap in upvc Door panel flap that you require, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to stop the pet from straying too far either way.
If your kit comes with a drawing showing where to drill, you can place it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge ensure that you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line you penciled in, but don't push the blade too hard because this can make it cut faster than you want it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. Installing a cat flap fitting near me flap on your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the directions are followed.
It is much easier to do window with cat flap wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area on the door that allows your cat to comfortably pass through wall cat flap. Once you know this then you have to draw the area with pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to fit the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is crucial to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap cost near me flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.
If you're installing the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed windows with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This is less expensive than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own glass panels which can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not a matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that it is safe.
A composite door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models including basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck in the rain.
It's a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have a child or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.
