Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back door with cat flap fitted at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the house.

It is simpler to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will require some expertise and right tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will show how to trace the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then complete the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to stop them from going too far either way.

If your kit has an illustration of where to drill, you can put it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough space because this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Use a set square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you own a set square then make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangular shape. 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 out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, putting the cat flap to your door could be an intimidating task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the instructions are adhered to.

It is much easier to do on wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will accommodate the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult for an ordinary upvc door panels with cat flap door, but you may need to take extra care if you are using an insulated or composite type of door since these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you will need to locate a place near the door where this measurement is within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have the information you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily in place.

Cut a hole

It can be difficult to install an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.

The first thing you need to do is draw the location of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.

You should only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the door frame.

A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is the case, it is essential to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you want to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own an glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to install a cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models, from basic button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your fitting Cat flap In upvc door panel is able to use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children at home who could be injured by glass shattering.