Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want, without you needing to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the home.

Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.

The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, but some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it ensure you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you penciled in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without having to worry about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature steady. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the steps are followed.

It is much easier to do on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the back door with cat flap fitted, ensuring that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you might need to be more careful.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a place near the door where this measurement is within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information you'll be required to mark the area with an eraser and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.

Cut a hole

Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to do the job for you. A botched job could not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you require when working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is best to only remove the material needed to make the flap. It is essential to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.

If the upvc door panels cat flap door is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap.

If you are fitting an animal flap to a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own an glass panel that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement upvc door panels with cat flap uPVC panel then it is possible to add a cat flap to the doors. It's not a matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.

A upvc door panel replacement cat flap, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck in the rain.

It's a good idea to choose a circular Fitting Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have child or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.