Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come at their own pace without having to let him in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house. Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, but it does require some skills and the right tools. Take a look at the Door The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but if you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. Continue will be showing how to trace the shape, use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind damaging the door. The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to stop them from going too far either way. Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure that you have enough space because this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home. Use a set square to check that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to begin removing the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material. Draw a Line The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the steps are adhered to. While this is far simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will end the warranty. First, you need to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough when you have the standard uPVC door, but you may require extra care if you are using a composite or other kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels. The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you know this then you be required to mark the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat. After you have marked 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 rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place. Cut a hole Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's best to employ an expert to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape 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 rest of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges. Wear any safety gear you'll need to use a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use. It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage 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 case you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap. If you're planning to install the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose. Install the Flap Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they'd like. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole through the door though and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's secure. A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically includes a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in your door. Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a variety of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in bad weather. A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or family. This is especially important if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.