Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the right tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat door in a front door can be difficult, but as long as the cat flap is the right type and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how much to install a cat flap to draw the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then complete the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door every time, but it is also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough space as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start cutting along the line that you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and also 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 lets you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. However, putting the cat flap to your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the steps are followed.
While this is far simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could cause damage to the warranty. First, you must measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough for a standard replacement upvc door panels with cat flap door, however you may require more care if you have a composite or other kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat flap bifold doors's stomach. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a spot on the door that will be within the range your cat can comfortably pass through wall cat flap. Once you have this information then you be required to mark the area with an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a hole
It can be difficult to fit an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly, but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.It is essential to only remove the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and let them relax in the home whenever they like. However, if you have a uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not just a matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure that the door is secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically composed of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type door has a template you can use to make the hole.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a range of options, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap without getting trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting cat flap in upvc door panel (sixn.net wrote) is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.