Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating inside the house.

It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap in a front door can be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the instructions you can make it less difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then complete the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, but some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge then make sure you have clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line that you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. If you have an already-cut square, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home stable. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the steps are adhered to.

While this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors as this will invalidate the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be simple enough for a standard uPVC door, however you might need to take extra care if you are using a composite or other kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to locate a place near the door where this measurement is within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this you'll need to mark out the area with an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will create will fit your cat flap double glazing.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to make the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel flap will fit easily into place.

Make a hole

Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when it is inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready for any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.

It is best to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is essential to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you're installing a cat flap fitters near me flap into an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix the flap to an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you own an upvc door panel with cat flap door, it might be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add a cat flap. It's not just a matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure it's safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.

Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea to choose a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children in your home who could be hurt by glass fragments.