Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please without needing to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the right tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will show how to trace the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish off the job by securing the cat flap installation cost flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will enable you to select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to enter the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed, cat flap in upvc door panel usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Utilize a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. However, installing the cat flap to your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, leading many to hire a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the directions are followed.

While this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you must be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you may have to be more cautious.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through wall cat flap. Once you know this then you be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will create will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will require the 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. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap cost flap is easily fitted into place.

Cut a Hole

It can be difficult to install the cat flap installation flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless you have a lot of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.

It is best to only remove the material needed to fit the flap. It is essential to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.

If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.

If you want to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap install flap. It is much less expensive to get this done rather instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you've got an uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to fit one. If you're able to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to install the cat flap to these doors. It's not a matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually includes a template which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.

After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a variety of designs, from simple push-button units to ones that are microchip-activated and only let your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick, it's vital that your cat flap in upvc door panel is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into 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 family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass shattering.