Fitting a Cat Flap in a upvc Door PanelThe addition of a cat flap to an existing upvc door panel or double glazing sealed unit is a fairly easy task. It's a simple task, but one that could keep you up in the night if done wrong!
It is important to read the instructions that come with the cat flap before you begin. Make sure that the shape (square or circle) is precisely penciled in on the door panel.
How to:
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit the house whenever they want, without you having to keep an eye on them or worry about them fleeing through a window. It also stops cold winter air from entering and hot summer air from leaving, helping to reduce your energy costs.
It is possible to fit the flap onto a upvc panel door with some planning and preparation. It's always best to install the flap as the door is being built to ensure it's part of the design and construction process, but when you're looking to insert one in an existing panel, there are some steps to follow.
First, you must take measurements of the height of the space where you want to install the cat flap in upvc door panel flap. This will allow you to determine how large a flap to purchase. Make sure your cat can pass through the flap both ways. It's crucial not to force them into something they would not like to do.
The next step is to draw out the shape of the hole using an eraser on the surface of the door panel. Once you have done this, you can then cut out the shape by using a jigsaw that has an extremely fine cutting blade made for use with upvc and metal. Test the action of the flap. Push it in both directions and ensure it opens and shuts smoothly.
If the cat flap is being fitted to a upvc door with a lock that is secure, you should think about installing security kits. This will stop burglars from being able to reach through the cat flap to unlock the door and enter your home. Certain flaps can be locked with magnetic keys that are affixed to the collar of your cat, but these do rely on the collar of your cat to operate.Measure
Cat flaps can provide pet owners with peace of mind knowing that their pets are secure inside the home and only leave and enter when they want to. They also help reduce energy costs by preventing hot and cold air from entering the home. The installation of a cat-flap in a upvc panel for door panel is relatively straightforward, however there are some aspects to take into consideration to achieve the best results.
Firstly, it is advisable to speak with a professional who can advise you on whether your eurocell upvc door panels door is suitable for installing the cat flap. This will ensure that the door is sturdy 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've confirmed that the door you have chosen to use is suitable for cat flap installation, the next step is to measure the area where you'd like to place the cat flap. This is important since it will permit you to purchase a cat flap that is sufficient for your pet to use comfortably.
Another thing to be considered is the thickness of the Upvc door panel. Unlike timber doors which tend to be uniform in thickness, composite or upvc doors can vary widely in the thickness. This can have an impact on the ease of cutting holes and the overall strength of the door.
When you know the dimensions of the opening that you wish to create it is crucial to draw it out on the paper. Draw the shape accurately to ensure that the hole is cut precisely using the jigsaw.
It is also important to know that you will not be able to put a cat flap in the window that is already double-glazed. This is because double-glazed windows are sealed units and, therefore, if you cut a hole in the glass to accommodate the cat flap, it will cause the seal to break, which allows cold air to enter and warm air to escape.
Cut
A pet flap offers a safe way for your cat to exit and enter your home, as well as aiding in reducing your energy bills by stopping cold air from entering and hot air escaping. It is essential to install an excellent cat flap on your door panel that is designed to be strong and secure. This will ensure that only your cat is allowed to enter your home and keep unwanted pests out. You can purchase a microchip activated uPVC cat door that allows cats wearing the correct identification tags to go through the tunnel.
There are many types of uPVC doors and panels, so it is important to select the appropriate one for your cat's door. The most effective option is to buy a solid uPVC door panel that is specifically designed to accommodate the cat flap. This will be more straightforward to install than a glass pane because you don't have to fret about it breaking. You can select a pet flap door to block away pets and unwanted pests.
When cutting the hole for a cat flap, be cautious. Certain upvc shiplap door panels doors and windows have decorative elements that are raised. These should be removed with care to avoid damaging the glass. It is also possible to close the the cut to stop moisture and drafts from leaking in.
You'll need a jigsaw with a sharp blade to cut a hole in your cheap upvc door panels panel door. Make sure you use a blade specifically designed for uPVC and metal. Also, make sure you do not to cut too deeply, or you could end up damaging the frame of the door. Mark the line you want to cut in pencil and then use a spirit-level to make sure it is in line with the surface.
It's also an excellent idea to apply some silicone sealant along the edge of the cut to help prevent moisture and drafts from entering. This will also help to protect your uPVC door from damage caused by vibrating jigsaw.
Fit
Installing a cat flap on your upvc panel door will allow your cat out and in of the home. It also stops unwanted visitors like rodents and other insects. If you require additional security, you could even purchase a microchip-activated cat flap which can stop unwanted guests from entering your home.
Fitting a cat flap into an upvc door panel is a fairly simple task that anyone with a basic DIY skills can accomplish. If you are replacing a door or pane it may be easier to install a cat flap if your panel or double-glazed unit already has a hole cut out for one.
This will save you lots of time and effort as it will not require you to cut a new hole in the door. If you want to use a pet flap, a solid-core upvc insert panel panel is superior to a polystyrene panel that will not provide any security.
Based on the type and model of your upvc door or panel, it could have decorative features which could mean that you are unable to install the cat flap at the height you wanted. You should try to put it at the highest point of your door where it is feasible to do so, and your cat will not be able to access this point through the door.
Once the cat flap is installed, it's a good idea apply some decorators caulk around the edges of the panel at the point where it joins the frame and mullion, to make the joint watertight. This will prevent moisture from entering the wood and rotting it. It is a good idea, when you have an exterior or a door made of wood with decorative features, to paint the wood sections that are not painted to stop them from drying out and bending.
After everything is in place, test the flap. This can be done by putting your finger across the flap to determine whether it opens both ways. You can also try entice your cat to eat through the flap to check whether it is happy to use it.