Fitting a Cat Flap in a upvc Door Panel
It's easy to install a cat flap onto an existing upvc or double-glazed sealed unit. But, it can keep you awake at night if done wrong!
Before you begin, it's crucial to read the instructions carefully that came with the flap. Make sure to pencil in your shape (square circle, square) on the door's panel.
How to:
A cat flap is a practical way for your pet to come and go through the door as they please without you having to watch the pet or worry that they'll escape through the open window. It also blocks cold winter air from entering and hot summer air from leaving, helping to reduce your energy costs.
It is possible to fit a cat flap into a upvc panel door with some planning and preparation. It's always best to install the flap while the door is being built so that it's part of the design and construction process, but when you're looking to insert one into an existing panel then there are some steps you need to take.
The first step is to measure the height of the space in which you'd like to place the flap. This will help you decide how large a flap to purchase. Check to see if your cat can traverse the flap in both ways. It's crucial not to force them into something they don't want to do.
Next you need to mark the outline of the hole with an eraser on the surface of the door panel. After you have marked out the hole using a pencil, you are able to cut it out with a jigsaw fitted with a fine blade for steel or upvc. Check upvc door insert panel of the flap. Push it in both directions and ensure that it shuts and opens smoothly.
If the cat flap is attached to a door made of upvc equipped with a safe lock, you should think about installing security kits. This will prevent burglars from getting through the flap and opening the door to gain access to your home. Some flaps can also be locked with magnetic keys that are attached to the collar of your cat, but they do require the collar of your cat to operate.
Measure
Cat flaps can provide pet owners with peace of mind that their pets are secure in the house and will only be allowed to enter and leave the premises when they want to. They can also reduce costs for energy by preventing hot and cold air from entering the home. The installation of a cat-flap in the upvc panel is fairly easy, but there are a few things to take into consideration to get the best results.
It is best to consult an expert prior to installing a cat flap on your upvc panel. This will ensure that the door is durable enough to withstand the weight of the cat flap, and that it is placed in the proper place within the panel.
After you have determined that your plastic is suitable for installation of a cat flap you will need to measure the area in which you would like to install the flap. This is crucial as it allows you to buy a cat flap large enough to accommodate your pet.
The thickness of the upvc panels is another thing to be considered. As opposed to timber doors, which generally have a uniform thickness, composite and upvc doors can differ greatly in regards to their thickness. This could have a significant impact on how easy it is to make holes in them and the strength of the door as a whole.
Draw the dimensions of the hole that you want to make on a piece paper once you have determined the size. Draw the shape precisely to ensure that the hole is cut out correctly with an jigsaw.
It is also important to remember that you are unlikely to be able to put a cat flap in an existing double-glazed window. Double windows are sealed, and should you cut the glass to install a cat flap this could cause the seal to break, allowing cold and warm air to escape.
Cut
A pet flap is the security for your cat to get into and out of your home, as well as aiding in reducing your energy bills by preventing cold air from getting in and hot air from leaving. It is crucial to install an excellent cat flap on your door panel that is designed to be durable and secure. This will ensure that only your cat is allowed to access your home, and will keep unwanted creatures out. You can purchase a microchip activated uPVC cat door that only allows cats that have the right identification tags to pass the tunnel.
There are many types of uPVC panels and doors, so it is important to select the right one for your cat's flap. In general, the best choice is to purchase a solid uPVC door panel that is designed to accept a cat flap. It's simpler to install than an existing glass pane, as you won't have to worry about it cracking. You can choose a pet flap door to keep away pets and unwanted pests.
When cutting the hole for an animal flap, you must be careful. Certain uPVC doors feature decorative features which must be cut carefully away to ensure that the glass is not damaged. You may need to seal around the cut area to stop moisture and drafts from entering.
To make a hole in your uPVC door frame you'll require the jigsaw as well as a fine blade. Make sure the blade is specifically designed for use with uPVC or metal, and take care not to cut too far or you risk damaging the door frame. It is a good idea to mark the line where you'd like to cut with pencil, and then employ a spirit level to make sure it is parallel to the surface.
You can also apply silicone sealant to the cut edge to block drafts and moisture. This will safeguard your uPVC from being damaged by the vibrations of the jigsaw.
Fit
If you have a cat, then installing a cat flap inside your door panel made of upvc gives them access into and out of the house. It will also keep unwanted visitors out, such as rodents and other pests. If you're looking for extra security, you could purchase a microchip-activated cat flap to stop unwanted guests from entering your home.
Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is a simple job that anyone with basic DIY skills can accomplish. If you are replacing a door or pane, it can be easier to install a cat flap if the panel or double-glazed unit already has a hole cut out for one.
This will save you a lot of time and effort as it will not require you to make a hole in the door. If you want to use a pet flap, a solid-core upvc panel is better than the polystyrene panels that do not offer much security.
Depending on the make and model of your upvc door or panel, it could have decorative features which could mean that you cannot install the cat flap at the height you intended. Install it at the highest possible spot on your door. Your cat will not be able to reach it through the door.
It's a good idea to use decorators caulk for sealing the joint once the cat flap has been installed. This will stop moisture from getting into the wood and rotting it. If you have a wood door with decorative elements, it is also recommended to paint the exposed timber sections of the panel and door to prevent the wood from drying out and causing warping.
Once you have everything in place, test the flap. You can do this by putting a finger through the flap and ensuring that it shuts easily both ways. You can also try tempting your cat with food through the flap to determine if it is happy to use it.