Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

It is simpler to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and right tools.

Take a look at the Door

Fitting a cat flap installer near me flap in the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line that you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. If you have an already-cut square, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. However, installing a cat flap in your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the steps are adhered to.

While this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you should be cautious not to damage the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough when you have the standard uPVC door, however you may require extra care if you are using an insulated or composite type of door as these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat flap installation. This is the distance 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 that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area with an eraser and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat flap in Upvc door panel.

Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap fitters flap will fit easily.

Cut a hole

It can be a challenge to install an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.

The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly located and is in a straight line with the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready for any rough edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.

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

A upvc door panels with cat flap door may include a metal frame, or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and in this case you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is crucial to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you want to install a cat flap in a upvc 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 made for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have an glass panel that can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not a matter of slicing an opening in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that it is secure.

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

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. However, no matter what type of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.

It's a good idea opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children living in your home who could be injured by glass shards.