Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go at their own pace, without you having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat flap installation from peeing in the home.

It is easier to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll need some skills and the correct tools.

Take a measurement of the door

The installation of a cat flap in a front door can be difficult however, as long as the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the instructions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door every time, yet small enough to stop the pet from straying too far in either direction.

If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill then you can stick it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw begin to cut according to the lines you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard, as this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. However, Fitting Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel an animal flap on your door could be an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, leading many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

Although this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if 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 belly for your cat. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you will need to locate a place on the door that will be within the range your pet can comfortably go through wall cat flap. Once you've got the information, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a Hole

It can be difficult to fit a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have a lot of experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat flap fitters is outdoors and hot air out when inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and aligns with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand for any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you require when working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.

It is essential to only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.

If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap.

If you're planning to install an animal flap to a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. It is cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like and let them relax in the house when they like. However, if you own an uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap, particularly when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically made up of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide to cut the hole into your door.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in the rain.

It's a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have a child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards glass.