Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace without needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

It is easier to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will need some skills and the right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

fitting a cat flap in a upvc door a cat flap in the door can be a challenge but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then complete the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door each time, yet small enough to prevent them from going too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X. However, some kits come with drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature steady. However, putting 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 a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.

While this is far simpler when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you must be cautious not to damage the doors since this could invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it will accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough when you have the standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if using an alternative type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat Flap in upvc door panel's stomach. It is important to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a hole

It isn't easy to install a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have a lot of expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get a professional to do the task for you. A botched job may not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at ready for any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you need to work with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.

It is essential to only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap but cutting off more than this could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not 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're looking to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they're feeling like it. If you have an upvc door panel with cat flap fitted front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own glass panels that can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add a cat flap. It's not a matter of cutting an opening in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.

After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models including basic button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.

It's a good idea choose a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are children or elderly people at home who could be injured by glass shattering.