Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Take a look at the Door
Fitting a cat door in a front door can be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is the right type and you follow the directions you can make it less difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape, use the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then finish the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door every time, but also small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, however some kits include drawings that show where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you penciled in. Don't push the blade too hard, as this can make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you have an already-cut square, use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a proper 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 allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them coming in with visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature steady. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
It is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be simple enough when you have an ordinary uPVC door, however you may need to take extra care if you are using an insulated or composite type of door as these can be 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 a space on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you know this you'll be required to mark the area with an eraser and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth 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, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to put a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
It is crucial to only cut away the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap, if this is done it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you're looking to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to have this done than to attempt to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they're feeling like it. If you've got a uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to install an animal flap onto these doors. It's not a matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. just click the following article is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically includes a template which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit various models including basic button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in the rain.
It's a good idea select circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's 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 particularly important if there are elderly or children in your home that might be injured by glass shattering.