Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

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

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

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut the door area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors with cat flap from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far either way.

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, however some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge then make sure you have enough clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining 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 that you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. However, fitting a cat flap in your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the directions are followed.

Although this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could invalidate the warranty. First, you must take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough for an ordinary uPVC door, but you might need to take extra care if you are using an insulated or composite type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

Next, you will need 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 locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you know the hole will fit your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a hole

It can be a challenge to put an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but also a security risk and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready for any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety gear for working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.

It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.

A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not touch the the cat flap. If this is done it is important to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.

If you want to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap in upvc door panel flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not designed for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like and let them relax in the home whenever they'd like. If you have an upvc cat flap door panels front door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own an glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add a cat flap to these doors. It's not as simple as cutting a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need first to ensure it's secure.

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

After you have marked out 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 button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flap installation cost flap you pick, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck in bad weather.

A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that could be injured by glass shattering.