Fitting a Cat Flap in a upvc Door Panel
It's simple to put a cat flap to an existing upvc or double-glazed sealed unit. It's a simple job, but one that could keep you up at night if you do it incorrectly!
Before you begin, it's essential to read carefully the instructions included with the flap for cats. Make sure to pencil in your shape (square, circle) on the door's panel.
How To
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and enter the house whenever they want and without having to watch them or worry about them fleeing through an open window. It also stops cold air from entering your home during the winter months, and hot air from escaping during summer, allowing you to lower your energy costs.
Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is feasible with careful planning and preparation. It is recommended to install a cat flap at the time of construction, as it will be part of the overall design and construction. If you are fitting one to an existing panel, there are steps to follow.
The first step is to determine the height and width of the area you wish to fit the flap. This will help you decide how large a flap to purchase. Make sure your cat is able to pass through the flap both ways. It is important not to force them into something they aren't comfortable with.
Then, you will need to mark the hole shape with an eraser. Once you've completed this, you can cut out the shape using a jigsaw with a fine cutting blade designed for use with upvc or metal. Check the operation of the flap. Push it both ways and ensure it shuts and opens smoothly.
Installing a security kit is recommended when the cat flap is to be installed on a Upvc door that is fitted with secured locks. This will stop burglars from getting through the flap and opening the door to gain access to your home. Some flaps are locked using magnetic keys attached to the collar of the cat. However, this method is dependent on your cat wearing a collar that is appropriate for the cat.
Measure
Cat flaps provide pet owners with peace of mind that their animals enter and exit the house only when they decide to. They also help to reduce energy costs by blocking cold air from entering and hot air from leaving the home. Fitting a cat-flap into a upvc panel is relatively straightforward, however there are a few things to consider in order to achieve the most effective results.
It is first recommended to speak with a professional who can offer advice on whether the door you have is suitable for installing a cat flap. repairmywindowsanddoors will ensure that the door is durable enough to support the weight of the cat flap, and that it is placed in the right position within the upvc door panel.
After you have determined that your plastic is suitable for installation of a cat flap you'll need to determine the area in which you would like to put the flap. This is important as it allows you to buy an adequate cat flap for your pet.
The thickness of the upvc panels is another thing to be considered. As opposed to timber doors, which generally have an even thickness, composite and upvc doors can differ greatly in terms of their thickness. This can have a major impact on the ease to cut holes in them and the strength of the door in general.
Mark out the size of the hole that you want to make on a piece paper after you have decided the size. Make sure you draw the shape precisely to ensure that it is precise when it is time to cut the hole with a Jigsaw.
It is also important to remember that you will not be able to install a cat flap in an existing double-glazed window. This is because double-glazed windows are sealed units and consequently, if you cut a hole into the glass for the cat flap, it will break the seal allowing cold air to enter and warm air to escape.
Cut
A pet flap provides the security for your cat to get into and out of your home, and also aiding in reducing energy costs by blocking cold air from entering and hot air from escaping. It's important to fit a high-quality cat flap in your door's panel made to be strong and secure. This will ensure that only your cat is allowed to access your home, and it also helps to keep unwanted animals and pests out. You can purchase a uPVC cat flap that has a microchip and allows only cats with the right identification tags to go through the tunnel.
There are many different types of uPVC doors and panels, so it's crucial to select the right one for your cat's door. Generally, the best option is to purchase a solid uPVC door panel that is designed to accept an animal flap. This will be much easier to install than an existing pane of glass, as you won't need to worry about cracking it. You can choose an animal flap-equipped door to keep away unwanted pets and pests.
When you cut the hole for an animal flap, be cautious. Some uPVC windows and doors have decorative elements that are raised. These must be removed carefully to avoid damaging the glass. You may also need to seal the the cut to prevent drafts and moisture from leaking in.
You'll need a jigsaw with a sharp blade to cut a hole in your uPVC panel door. Make sure that your blade is specifically designed for use with uPVC or metal, and take care not to cut too far or you could damage the door frame. Mark the line you wish to cut in pencil, and then use a spirit-level to make sure it is in line with the surface.
You can also add silicone sealant on the cut edge to prevent moisture and drafts. This will also help protect your uPVC door from damage caused by the jigsaw vibration.
Fit
If you have a cat installing a cat flap on your door made of upvc allows them to freely move into and out of the house. It also deters unwanted visitors like rodents and other pests. If you want extra security, you can buy a microchip activated cat flap to block unwanted visitors from entering your home.
Anyone with a basic DIY skill is able to put in the cat flap into the form of a Upvc panel. If you are replacing a door or pane it is possible to install a cat flap if the panel or double-glazed unit already has a hole made to accommodate one.
This will spare a lot of time and effort since you won't have to cut a hole in the door. The best type of upvc panel to use for fitting a pet flap is one with a solid core rather than a hollow polystyrene panel that does not provide much in terms of security.
Depending on the brand and model of your upvc doors or panel, it might have decorative features which could mean that you cannot install the cat flap at the height you wanted. Install it at the highest point on your door. Your cat won't be in a position to get it through the door.
It's a great idea use decorators caulk for sealing the joint after the cat flap has been installed. This will stop moisture from getting into the timber and potentially ruining it. If you have a wooden door with decorative features It is also an excellent idea to paint the exposed timber sections of the panel and door to prevent the wood from drying out and causing warping.
Once everything is in place you need to test the flap. This is done by pushing your finger through the flap to determine if it closes in both directions. You can also try tempting your cat to eat through the flap to check whether it is content to use it.