Repair My Windows And Doors let your pet leave and come whenever they want without you needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Take a look at the Door
Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage.
The first step is determine the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door each time.
If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill, then place it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Use a set square to check that you're cutting properly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you have an already-cut square, use it to check that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home stable. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.
This is much easier to do on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be simple enough if you are using a standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if you have a composite or other type of door since these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you know this you'll need to mark out the area using a pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask at all times when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's best to employ an expert to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly positioned and that it runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is essential to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
A door made of upvc could have a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is the case, it is important to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you're planning to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can provide you with a new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than fitting the flap into an existing pane that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they're feeling like it. However, if you own a uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut for one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not a simple matter of drilling holes in the door. It is also necessary to perform a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button units to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
It's a good idea select circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.