Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want, without you having to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, but it requires some knowledge and the right tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap in the front door is difficult, but so long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure the flap remains in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, but 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 the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure that you have enough clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them 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 you penciled in, but don't press the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. If you have a set square then use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them coming in with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, fitting the cat flap to your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the instructions are adhered to.

It is much easier to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can accommodate the new cat flap installers flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might need to be more careful.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a Hole

Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A botched job may not only look ugly, but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.

Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.

It is crucial to only remove the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the door frame.

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

If you're installing the cat flap fitting flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be less expensive than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement upvc door panel with cat flap uPVC panel, it's possible to add an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole through the door though and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install many different models, from basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to opt for a circular fitting a cat flap in a upvc door 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 break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt 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 of glass.