Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.

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

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be a problem. We will show you how to mark out the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then complete the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

The first thing to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will let you select a flap that is large enough to allow your pet to go into the house and exit without needing to open the door every time.

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

Put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you have pencilled in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you have a set square then use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home steady. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

This is much simpler to do with wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, however you may require more care if using an insulated or composite type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have the information, you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the opening will fit your cat flap In upvc door cost.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw 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 using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake could not only be ugly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is inside.

The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all the other components of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.

It is important that you only cut away the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap but removing more than that can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc door panels with cat flap could contain a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap. If this is done, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into a upvc door panel with cat flap fitted or double-glazed window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the house when they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own an glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install a cat flap to the doors. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door has a template you can use to make the hole.

Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.

It is a good idea to select circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer option to use as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.