Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

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

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap fitters flap on 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 should not prove to be a problem. We will help you draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and shields the doors with cat flap from the damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to keep them from moving too far in either direction.

If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill, you can stick it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough clearance from these to keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. However, installing the cat flap to your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.

This is much easier to do on doors made of wood, however it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it will be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult when you have an ordinary upvc door panel replacement cat flap door, however you may require more care if you have a composite or other kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid upvc door panels cat flap panels.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.

Make a hole

It can be difficult to fit an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be ugly, but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when inside.

The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly placed and runs parallel to the other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.

It is essential to only cut away the material required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the flap, but cutting off more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.

If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you are fitting cat flap in upvc door panel - Recommended Reading, an animal flap to a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is much less expensive to do this than to attempt to fix the flap to an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they feel like it. However, if you own a uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to install a cat flap to these doors. It's not just a matter of drilling a hole into the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically includes a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole into the door.

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and only let your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea opt for circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the 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 may break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.