Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the home.

Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.

Measure the Door

fitting cat flap in upvc door Panel a cat door in a front door could be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the right type and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut the door area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and also protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure the width of your pet. This will let you select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the house and exit without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat flap fitters and the moulding or sill.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, but don't press the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you have an already-cut square, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the steps are adhered to.

While this is much simpler with a wooden 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 can cause damage to your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can accommodate the new cat flap installer flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might need to be more careful.

Next, you will need 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 spot on the door where this measurement will fall within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've got the information you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.

Make a hole

Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at the ready for any rough edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety gear for working with a power tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is important that you only remove the material required to fit the cat flap installers flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.

A upvc door panel with cat flap fitted door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not designed for this purpose.

Install the Flap

cat flap insulation flaps let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be hard to install a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally made up of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in the door.

Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.