Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat flap installation cost from urinating in the house.

Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, but it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.

Take a look at the Door

Installing a cat door into a front door can be difficult however, so long as the cat flap double glazing flap is the right type and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure the flap remains in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap in upvc door panel (www.question-ksa.com post to a company blog) flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without having to open or cat flap in Upvc door panel close the door every time, yet small enough to keep them from moving too far either way.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area 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 the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure that you have enough clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start cutting along the line you penciled in. Don't press the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you'd like it to. If you own a set square then use it to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. However, installing a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the directions are followed.

While this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you must be careful not to scratch the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is made of composite door cat flap or another kind of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place on the door that will be within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've got the information, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place.

Make a hole

It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get an expert to complete the task for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing 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 placed and runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you require when working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the flap but removing more than this can cause problems or damage the doors frame.

A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap, and in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is important to fill in the gap and render it watertight.

If you're planning to install the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass window with cat flap the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It is cheaper to do this than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Fit the Flap

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

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door usually has a template which you can use as a guide to cut the hole into your door.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.

It's a good idea select circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.