Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the home.

It is much easier to put a cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll require some expertise and correct tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap installation cost flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door each time, yet small enough to stop the pet from straying too far either way.

If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill then you can put it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure that you have enough space as this will keep your cat flap bifold doors safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you penciled in, don't try to push the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.

It is much easier to do on wooden doors, but it is still possible using upvc door panels with cat flap. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you might require more care.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through wall cat flap. Once you have the information, you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.

Cut a hole

It isn't easy to fit the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not experienced in DIY, it is best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you need to work with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and more user-friendly.

You should only remove the material needed to create the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.

If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.

If you're planning to install the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This is less expensive than fitting cat flap in upvc Door panel the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want and let them relax in the home whenever they'd like. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be hard to install the cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have a glass panel that can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not just a matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide to cut the hole into the door.

After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models that range from simple push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.

It's a good idea choose circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass shattering.