Fit a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door Panel
It is possible to put an animal flap into a upvc door panel or double glazing glass sealed units however the best choice is to buy a new glass pane with a premade hole installed.
Follow the directions included in the kit. Make sure that the template drawing accurately represents the shape (circle or square).
upvc door panel with cat flap fitted
If you have a dog or cat and want to let them into the garden without leaving the door open A microchip activated pet flap on your door panel made of upvc is a great option. This will only let your pet inside, while preventing other animals and pests from getting inside. It also prevents burglars from getting through your door by locking them out. This type of security is essential when you have children, are old or live in an area that is prone to burglaries.
Fitting a cat door into a solid uPVC is a simple process that can be completed by anyone with basic DIY skills and experience with tools. You can use a Jigsaw to make the hole. However, it is important to ensure that the flap is wide enough to accommodate your cat and is situated at the correct height both from the outside and inside of the home.
If your door is made from a composite material it is recommended to speak with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations to avoid invalidating the warranty. Some composite doors have raised decorative features that are difficult to cut and special arrangements may need to be made in areas where the protrusions are. After cutting the timber, it is a good idea to allow the exposed portions to be sealed with a weatherproof sealant. This will help to prevent moisture and rainwater from soaking into the wood, causing the wood to rot.
It is more difficult to put in the cat flap in double-glazed glass doors as the glass unit will have to be put in place which can be costly. It is possible to replace the glass with a uPVC panel. It is cheaper to replace the glass panel rather than the entire door, and you can keep the original uPVC frames. Moreover, the new panel can be customized to fit the dog or cat flap. This option is especially useful for those who do not want to create an unintentional hole in their wall or door.
Convenience
Installing a flap for cats on your door will allow your cat to go in and out whenever they want. This is also a good way to keep them safe from intruders who aren't welcome as well as other animals that may invade your home. However, it is important to remember that the cat flap should be used under supervision and should be kept locked at all times. This is to prevent the cat from fleeing and becoming lost and to keep out thieves and other unwanted visitors.
There are many cat flaps. The most basic is the swinging doors that are two-way. These are inexpensive and can be opened in any direction by pushing them. These are not very secure, however, and can also let stray cats or other animals to enter your home. Consider purchasing an animal flap with a microchip. It will only open when your cat's collar is detected.
Installing a cat flap in doors made of upvc is a simple process that requires a little of perseverance and skill. The first step is measuring the flat area of the door where the cat flap will be placed. Once you have the dimensions, you can choose the flap that fits comfortably in the area.
You can also get the cat flap fitted into the Upvc at the time it is in manufacturing. This is the safer choice because it avoids accidents and will save you money in the end. If you decide to do this, then it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer of the door before making your decision.
Mark the centre of the sheet of upvc where you'd like to put the flap using chalk or pencil. Then you can use the template that should be included with the cat flap kit to pinpoint where the cut section will sit on your door. Once you've found it, make sure that the edges of the cut section are aligned with the markings you made. Make use of the correct size drill to make the holes.
Energy efficiency
The doors you choose to use can make a significant impact on the energy efficiency of your home. If your doors are not properly sealed, you may lose a lot heat in the winter months or let hot air escape in the summer. A upvc window with a cat flap could stop drafts from entering and save money on heating bills throughout the year.
Unlike traditional wood or steel doors, uPVC is designed to be energy-efficient. They are insulated, and will ensure that your home's temperature remains stable. They also require less maintenance. They are easy to replace and repair if damaged. This is why they are a cost-effective option for your home.
If you are planning to install an animal flap inside your door made of upvc, then you should take the time to make sure it's done right. Using the correct template will ensure that your pet is able to leave and enter your home with no gaps or leaks. It is also crucial to choose a place for the flap that is exposed to elements.
To begin, you will need to determine the height of your pet's body at their belly. You can then draw a line on the upvc door where you want the cat flap to be installed. Then carefully cut the line using an Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut too much because this could weaken the door's structure or cause other problems.
Install the cat flap when you have the correct size hole in the upvc panel. The best method to do this is with an exclusive kit that comes with an outline of the template on paper and markings to guide you when you drill. You'll need to be adept with tools, since you'll be cutting through Upvc and could cause damage If you're not careful.
It is essential to check the lockability and fit of the flap from the inside. You may have to do this several times, and you must ensure that the flap is aligned with the seal on the frame of the upvc so that there are no gaps between it and the upvc door.
Security
A cat flap lets cats to go out and take in the fresh air without waiting for you to let them in. It also helps keep out unwanted critters. If you are concerned about the security of your house, put in a cat flap that only allows pets with a valid permit to be allowed to enter. This is achievable with a uPVC door panel that comes with an integrated pet flap that is activated by microchip. The microchip is programmed to only allow in animals that have the appropriate identification tag. This will keep stray cats and pests from entering your home.
If you're planning to put in a cat flap, you need to plan ahead and think about the kind of flap, its location and the height from the outside and inside of the house. It's best to do this prior to the door being built, but if that isn't possible, you can always ask for professional help.
Installing a cat flap on an existing door isn't as easy as it would be a solid timber door but it is possible. It is important to ensure that the flap is large enough for your pet and that the hole in the door is big enough to accommodate the flap. It's recommended to test the flap prior to when you install it to make sure it's functioning properly.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is closed, apply coarse sandpaper to the edges to smooth them. This will allow you to remove any other material that could cause the flap to not completely close. To avoid creating gaps it is important to remove the material slowly and cautiously.
Although fitting a cat flap to a uPVC panel door is simple, it's a job that should be left to a professional. If you decide to do it yourself, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and have the tools you need before you begin. Utilizing the drill to cut toughened glass increases the chance of shattering which is why it's generally best to leave this task to a glass glazier.