cat flap bifold doors flaps allow your pet come and go at their own pace without needing to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the house.
Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a
cat flap in upvc door panel flap inside a door can be tricky but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will enable you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, you can put it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. 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 in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and keeps your home's temperature steady. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the steps are adhered to.
It is much easier to do on a wooden door, 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. First, you must take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough for the standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if you have a composite or other type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you know the hole will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily into place.
Cut a hole
It isn't easy to put an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you're not experienced in DIY, it is best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but also an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.
It is crucial to only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than that could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.
A upvc door may include a metal frame, or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't 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 looking to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc
window cat flap with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to install a
cat flap in upvc door panel flap inside an existing pane that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they'd like. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have an glass panel that is cut. If you're able to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit the cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole through the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin 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 causing damage. This kind of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea opt for a circular fitting rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.