Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet move around at their own pace without needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the home.

Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will help you mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits include drawings that show 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 you leave enough space between your cat flap bifold doors and the moulding or sill.

Utilize a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home steady. Fitting a cat flap fitting flap to your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the steps are adhered to.

While this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might need to be more careful.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance 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 wall cat flap easily. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.

Make a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A botched job could not only be ugly but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.

You should only remove the material needed to make the flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the door frame.

A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the gap and render it watertight.

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

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house when they're feeling like it. If you've got a uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap, particularly in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit a cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of slicing holes in the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that it is safe.

A composite door panel is typically made up of an extremely thin plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This type door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea to opt for a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass fragments.