Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat flap in upvc door panel from urinating inside the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat door in a front door can be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut the door area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage.
The first thing to do is measure 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 large enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door each time, but it is also small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.
If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill, you can stick it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature stable. Installing a cat flap cost flap on your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted 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 job yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
This is much simpler to do with a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult when you have a standard uPVC door, however you may need to take extra care if you are 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 height of your belly for your cat. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the work for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat flap double glazing is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the door's other parts. It is important to have some sandpaper on ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety gear for working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
You should only remove the material needed to fit the flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the door frame.
A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or panel which could block the microchip cat flap and in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is important to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you are fitting a cat flap in a upvc door a cat flap fitters near me flap into a upvc door or double-glazed window cat flap with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It will be much cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind inside the house when they're feeling like it. However, if you have an uPVC door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to fit the cat flap to the doors. It's not 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 door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button flaps to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in the rain.
It's a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are children or elderly people at home who could be hurt by glass shards.