Fitting a Cat Flap in a upvc Door Panel

The addition of a cat flap to an existing door panel made of upvc or double glazing sealed unit is a easy task. It's a simple job however it could keep you awake in the night if done wrong!

Before you begin, it's crucial to read the instructions carefully included with the flap. Be sure to accurately sketch your design (square, circle) on the door's side.

How To

A cat flap is a great means for your pet to enter and go through the door as they want without needing to watch the pet or worry that they'll escape through the window. It also blocks cold air from entering your home during winter and hot air escaping during summer, allowing you to lower your energy costs.

Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of Upvc Front door replacement panels is feasible with careful planning and preparation. It is best to install a cat flap during construction, so it is part of the overall design and construction. However, if you are fitting one to an existing panel, there are steps to follow.

The first step is to measure the height of the area where you want to install the flap. This will allow you to determine the size of the flap that you'll need. Check to see if your cat is able to move through the flap in both ways. It is important not to force them into something they aren't comfortable with.

Then, you will need to mark the hole's shape using the help of a pencil. Once you have drawn 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 the operation of the flap. Push it both ways and ensure that it opens and shuts smoothly.

Installing a security kit is recommended when the cat flap is to be fitted to an Upvc door that is fitted with an encasement lock that is secure. This will stop burglars from getting through the cat flap and then opening the door to gain access to your home. Certain flaps can be locked with magnetic keys that are affixed to the cat's collar, however these do rely on your cat wearing a collar to operate.

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 reduce the cost of energy by preventing cold and hot air from entering the home. Installing a cat-flap on the upvc panel is fairly easy, but there are a few things to think about to get the best results.

It is best to consult a specialist before installing a cat flap on your upvc front door insert panels panel. This will ensure that your upvc panel is strong enough to support the weight of a cat flap and that the flap is properly placed within the upvc panel.

Once you have made sure that your upvc door is suitable for a cat flap installation The next step is to measure out the area where you would like to install the cat flap. This is crucial as it will allow you to purchase the right cat flap for your pet.

The thickness of the upvc panel is a different aspect to take into consideration. In contrast to timber doors, which have a uniform thickness, composite and kent upvc door panels doors can vary greatly in regards to their thickness. This can have a significant impact on the ease to make holes in them as well as the strength of the door as a whole.

Draw the size of the hole you wish to make on a piece paper after you have decided the size. Draw the shape accurately to ensure that the hole is cut out accurately using an Jigsaw.

It is also important to know that you are unlikely to be able to put the cat flap inside an existing double-glazed window. Double glazed windows are sealed and when you cut through the glass to install a cat flap, this could break the seal that allows warm and cold air to escape.

Cut

A pet flap offers the security for your cat to enter and exit your home, as well as aiding in reducing energy costs by preventing cold air from entering and hot air escaping. It is essential to install a high-quality cat flap into your door's panel made to last and be secure. This will ensure that only your cat is allowed to access your home, and will keep any 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 a myriad of types of uPVC doors and panels, making it important to choose the correct one for your cat flap. Generally, the best option is to purchase a solid uPVC door panel that is designed to accept a cat flap. It's easier to install than an existing glass pane, since you don't have to worry about it breaking. You can also pick a door with an inbuilt pet flap which is more effective at keeping pets and other pests that aren't welcome.

If you're considering installing a cat flap into an existing uPVC window or door it's crucial to be careful when cutting the hole. Some uPVC doors have raised decorative features which must be cut carefully away to avoid damaging the glass. It may be necessary to seal around the cut area to prevent drafts and moisture from getting in.

You'll need a jigsaw with a sharp blade to cut the hole into your uPVC panel door. Make sure that your blade is marked to work with uPVC or metal, and be careful not to cut too far or you could damage the door frame. It's a good idea to mark the area where you want to cut with pencil, and then use a spirit-level to ensure that the line is in line with the surface.

It's also a good idea to add some silicone sealant around the edges of the cut to help keep drafts and moisture from coming in. This will also help to protect your uPVC door from damage caused by vibrating jigsaw.

Fit

If you have a cat, installing a cat flap on your door made of upvc gives them access to and out of your house. It also stops unwanted visitors such as rodents and other insects. If you need extra security, you could purchase a microchip-activated cat flap which will stop unwanted visitors from entering your home.

Anyone with a basic level of DIY is able to put in an animal flap on a upvc panel. It can be even easier when you are replacing an existing door or pane of glass and have the advantage of buying a panel or a double-glazed unit with an already-drilled hole for a cat flap.

This will save lots of effort and time because it won't require cutting an opening in the door. If you want to use a pet flap, a solid-core uk upvc door panels board is better than a polystyrene panel that will not offer much security.

Depending on the make and model of your upvc full door panels door or panel, it might include decorative features that could mean that you cannot install the cat flap at the height you wanted. It is recommended to place it at the highest point of your door, if it's possible to do so and your cat will not be able to reach this area through the door.

Once the cat flap is installed, it's a good idea apply some decorators caulk to the edges of the panel, where it meets the frame and mullion, to make the joint watertight. This will prevent moisture from getting into the wood and rotting it. It is a good idea in the case of an exterior or a door made of wood with decorative features, to paint the bare wood sections to stop them drying out and warping.

Once everything is in place, you need to test the flap. This is done by pushing your finger across the flap to determine if it closes both ways. You can also tempt your cat by feeding food through the flap.