Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult, but so long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap in upvc door panel (click the next document) flap that you require, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to go into the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw begin to cut along the line you penciled in, but don't press the blade too hard because this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able 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 unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home steady. However, fitting a cat flap in your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the instructions are followed.

While this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors with cat flap since this could end your warranty. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if you have an alternative type of door as these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you've got the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.

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

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

You should only remove the material that is required to create the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than that could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap, if this is done it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you're installing the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It is much less expensive to do this than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and let them relax in the home whenever they like. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install a cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's secure.

A composite, upvc door panel with cat flap fitted, or GRP door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.

Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick, it's vital that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck in bad weather.

It's a good idea select a circular fitting a cat flap in a upvc door rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards glass.