Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the home.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, but it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then finish the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
The first step is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door every time, yet small enough to stop them from going too far either way.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe 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 to remove the rest of the 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. 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 lets you to let your pet in and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the instructions are adhered to.
While this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you need to be very careful not to scratch the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult for a standard upvc door panel with cat flap fitted door, but you might need to take extra care if you are using an insulated or composite type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space on the door that allows your cat 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 fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily into place.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to fit the cat flap in upvc door panel flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the job for you. A botched job could not only look 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.
Mark the hole's position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you need to work with an electric tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
You should only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this could cause issues and damage the doors frame.
If the back door with cat flap fitted is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want and let them relax in the home whenever they like. However, if you own a upvc door panel replacement cat flap door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement upvc door panels with cat flap panel, it's possible to install the cat flap cost near me flap. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need first to ensure that it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck in bad weather.
A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have a child or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.