Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet move around whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the home.

Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the right tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky but if you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish off the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap remains in place and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the home 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, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you penciled in, but don't push the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flaps for french doors flap lets you to let your pet go inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the steps are adhered to.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors since this could cause damage to the warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will fit the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may have to be more cautious.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a place near the door that will be within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll be required to mark the space with 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 time to cut the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.

Cut a hole

It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get an expert to complete the task for you. A mistake could not only be ugly, but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with a pencil and 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 on the ready for any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you require when working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.

It is essential to only cut away the material needed to make the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own a glass panel which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement upvc door panels with cat flap panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not a matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure it's safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically includes a template which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.

After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in bad weather.

A circular fitting cat flap In upvc door panel (www.Bitsdujour.com) is more effective than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are children or elderly people in your home that might be injured by glass shattering.