Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the house.
It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will need some skills and the correct tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the house and exit without needing to open the door every time.
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 include an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Then put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting along the line you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
While this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful not to scratch the doors as this will end the warranty. First, you must take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may require more care.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you know this, you will be required to mark the area with pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out 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 clean instead of uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Cut a Hole
Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. visit the up coming post could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
The first thing you have to do is draw the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs parallel to other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material required to create the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap, but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.
A door made of upvc could have a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is important to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap inside. This will be less expensive than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they like. If you've got a uPVC door it can be difficult to install a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as cutting a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need first to ensure that it's secure.
A composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically has a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in your door.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are children or elderly people in your home who might be injured by glass fragments.