Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet come and go as they please, without you needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it does require some skills and the right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky but if you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will help you draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to prevent them from moving too far either way.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, then put it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once 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 inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
This is much simpler to do with wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you might need to take more care if using an insulated or composite type of door since these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area on the door that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a 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 with sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily into place.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to put the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear cat flap installation 'll need to use the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
You should only remove the material needed to fit the flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than that can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they want to. However, if you have an uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add a cat flap. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally composed of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can pick from a variety of options, from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have a child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.