Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel
From Shiapedia
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come as they please without you needing to let him in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.
It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc door panel with cat flap fitted panel than on a glass one but you'll need some skills and the right tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap install flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape, use a jigsaw to cut 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 protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.
If your kit comes with a drawing showing where to drill then you can stick it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you've drawn in, but don't push the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. However, fitting cat flap in upvc door panel an animal flap on your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the instructions are adhered to.
Although this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough for an ordinary uPVC door, however you may require more care if using an insulated or composite kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you will need to locate a place near the door where this measurement is within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil so that you are certain that the hole will fit your cat flap installers.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous 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
It isn't easy to install a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to complete the work for you. A shoddy job might not only look ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
It is essential to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the flap but removing more than that could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.
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'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're installing a cat flap into the frame of a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they feel like it. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap installation flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not just a matter of slicing an opening in the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally composed of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This type door has a template can be used to cut the hole.
Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in the rain.
It's a good idea choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass 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 which could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.
