Fitting a Cat Flap in a upvc Door Panel
Adding a cat flap to an existing upvc door panel or double glazing sealed unit is a fairly easy task. But, it could keep you awake at night if done incorrectly!
It is crucial to read the instructions that come in the cat flap prior to you begin. Make sure you draw your design (square, circle) on the door panel.
How to:
A cat flap is a convenient means for your pet to come and go through the door as they please without you needing to keep an eye on the pet or worry that they'll escape through the open window. It also stops cold winter air from entering and hot summer air from exiting, helping to lower your energy bills.
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 so that it's part of the design and construction process, but if you want to fit one into an existing panel then there are a few steps to follow.
First, you must measure the height of the space where you'd like to put the flap. This will help you determine the size of flap you want to purchase. Check that your cat can pass through the flap both ways. It's important not to force them into something they would not like to do.
The next step is to draw the outline of the hole using a pencil on the surface of the door panel. Once you've completed this, you can cut out the design by using a jigsaw that has a fine cutting blade designed to work with upvc or metal. Test the action of the flap. Push it in both directions and make sure it opens and shuts smoothly.
If the cat flap is being fitted to a upvc door with a secure lock then you should think about installing a security kit. This will help prevent burglars from being able to get through the flap to open the door and gain entry into your home. Some flaps are locked using magnetic keys that are attached to the cat's neck. However this method is contingent on your cat wearing a collar that is suitable for your cat.
Measure
Cat flaps provide pet owners peace-of-mind that their animals will be able to enter and leave the home only when they want to. They can also cut down on energy costs by preventing cold and hot air from entering the home. Fitting a cat flap into an upvc door panel is a relatively easy task but there are some things to take into consideration to ensure the best results.
It is first recommended to consult with a specialist who can offer advice on whether your upvc door is suitable for the installation of a cat flap. This will ensure that the door is durable enough to support the weight of the cat flap, and that it is installed in the correct place within the panel.
After you have determined that your Upvc is suitable for the installation of a cat flap you'll need to determine the area in which you would like to place the flap. This is crucial because it allows you to buy a cat flap that is sufficient that your pet can use comfortably.
Another aspect to be considered is the thickness of the upvc door panel. As opposed to timber doors, which are generally of a uniform thickness, composite and upvc doors can differ significantly in regards to their thickness. This can affect the ease of cutting holes as well as the overall strength of the door.
Draw the size of the hole you wish to make on a piece paper after you have determined the size. Draw the shape with precision to ensure that the hole is cut accurately using an Jigsaw.
Finally, it is important to know that it is very unlikely that you will be able to put the flap onto an existing double glazed window panel. Double double glazed windows are sealed. should you cut the glass to install the flap, it could cause the seal to break that allows warm and cold air to escape.
Cut
A pet flap is an excellent option to keep your cat safe and secure when entering and leaving your home. It also helps you conserve energy by preventing cold and hot air from getting into your home. The installation of a strong and secure cat flap to the door's frame is essential. This will ensure that only your cat can be allowed to enter your home. it also helps to keep unwanted animals and pests out. You can purchase a uPVC cat flap that is activated by microchips and allows only cats with the appropriate identification tags to pass through the tunnel.
There are upvc panel replacement www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of uPVC doors and panels, so it is important to select the right one for your cat's door. In general, the best choice is to buy a solid uPVC door panel designed to fit an animal flap. It's much easier to install than a standard pane of glass, as you won't have to worry about breaking it. You can select a pet flap door to block out unwanted pests and pets.
If you're looking to fit the cat flap inside an existing uPVC door or window it is important to take care when cutting the hole. Certain uPVC windows and doors have decorative elements that are raised and should be removed with care to prevent damaging the glass. It is possible to seal the cut area to stop drafts and moisture from getting in.
You'll need a jigsaw equipped with a sharp blade to cut the hole into 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. It's a good idea mark the area that you're going to cut using 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 block drafts and moisture. This will protect your uPVC from being damaged by the jigsaw's vibrations. Jigsaw.
Fit
If you have a cat, then installing a cat flap inside your upvc door panel will give them free access to and out of your house. It also deters unwanted visitors such as rodents and other creatures. If you're looking for extra security, you can even buy a microchip activated cat flap to block unwanted visitors from entering your home.
The installation of a cat flap in an upvc door panel is a relatively straightforward job that anyone with some basic DIY skills can do. It can be even easier when you are replacing an existing glass door or pane and are buying a panel or a double-glazed unit that has an already-made hole for the cat flap.
This will spare a lot of time and effort since you don't need to cut a hole in the door. The best type of Upvc panel to use to make a pet flap is one that has solid core, instead of hollow polystyrene that is not very effective in the way of security.
Depending on the brand and model of your upvc doors or panel, it might include decorative features that could make it difficult to install the cat flap at the height you intended. It is recommended to place it at the highest level on your door, if it's possible to achieve and your cat will not be able to reach this location through the door.
Once the cat flap is installed, it's a good idea to apply some decorators caulk to the edges of the panel, where it meets the frame and mullion to render the joint watertight. This will stop moisture from getting into the timber and possibly ruining it. It is a good idea if you have doors or wooden panels with decorative features to paint the bare wood sections to stop them from drying out and bending.
After everything is set, you need to test the flap. You can do this by putting your finger through the flap and then ensuring it shuts easily both ways. You can also lure your cat to eat food in the flap.