Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

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

Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult, but so long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.

The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will need. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door each time.

If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, then place it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure that you have enough clearance from these to keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line that you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard, as this can cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without having to worry about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature steady. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted 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 in order and the steps are adhered to.

It is much easier to do with wooden doors, but it is still possible using replacement upvc door panels with cat flap. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors with cat flap because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have a standard replacement upvc door panel with cat flap door, but you might need to take extra care if you are using a composite or other type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space on the door that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw 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 can be harmful for your health. After you've finished the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.

Make a hole

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

The first thing you need to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and that it runs parallel to other parts of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready for any rough edges.

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.

It is best to only remove the material that is required to make the flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than that can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is the case, it is essential to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you want to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have glass panels that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement upvc door panel with cat flap panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need first to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap. You can choose from a wide range of options, from simple push-button flaps to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap without getting trapped outside in bad weather.

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 can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. It's also a safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards of glass.