Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is a lot easier than glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door could be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then complete the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
The first step is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Utilize a set square to check that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the final result, you can take out the rest of the 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 a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
It is much easier to do on wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it will be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of made of composite or another kind of door, you might require more care.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a spot near the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the opening will fit 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 ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.
Cut a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is inside.
The first thing to do is mark the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and more user-friendly.
It is crucial to only cut away the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the cat flap step flap itself but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.
If you're installing the cat flap onto the frame of a double-glazed window with cat flap with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It is cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install a cat flap in upvc door panel flap into an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they want to. However, if you have a upvc door panel with cat flap fitted door, it may be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that could be cut to fit one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement upvc door panel with cat flap panel, it is possible to install a cat flap. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap itself. You can choose from a variety of designs, from simple push-button flaps to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is better than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that might break and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children living in your home that might be injured by glass fragments.