Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come as they please without you needing to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat flap in Upvc door Panel from urinating in the house.

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

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy but if you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and shields the doors with cat flap from the damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to prevent them from going too far in either direction.

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

Use a set square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin to remove the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also stops draughts and keeps your home's temperature stable. However, putting an animal flap on your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before, leading many to hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.

This is much simpler to do on wooden doors, but it is still possible using uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough for the standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if using a composite or other type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat flap fitting. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.

Cut a Hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

The first thing you have to do is draw the location of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is located and is parallel to the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is traced, you must cut the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety gear for working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.

You should only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than that could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with cat flap with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than fitting a cat flap in upvc door cost flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you've got an uPVC door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to install a cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of cutting a hole into the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that it is safe.

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

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models including basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea choose a circular fitting rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be hurt by shards of glass.