Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want without you having to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the house. It is much easier to put the cat flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one but you'll need some skills and the correct tools. Measure the Door Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the right type and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing 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 flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter the home and exit without needing to open the door every time. Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include 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 the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements. Then put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly 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 is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home steady. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care. It is much easier to do on wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it will accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough if you are using a standard uPVC door, but you might need to take extra care if you are using an insulated or composite type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels. Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a spot near the door where this measurement will fall within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once cat flap fitters near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk know this then you need to mark out the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will create will fit your cat. Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust mask at all times when using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily in place. Cut a Hole Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake could not only look ugly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter 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 that it is positioned correctly and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges. Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use. It is best to only remove the material that is required to make the flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door. If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap. If you are fitting a cat flap into a upvc door or double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It is much less expensive to do this instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose. Fit the Flap Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and let them relax in the house when they want to. However, if you own an uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut to fit one. If you're able to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to add a cat flap to the doors. It's not just a matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure. A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference to cut the hole in the door. After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather. A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children living at home who might be injured by glass fragments.