Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat flap fitters from peeing in the home.

It is much easier to put the cat flap on a upvc door panels cat flap panel than one made of glass but you'll require some expertise and right tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to enter the home and exit without having to open the door every time.

If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill then you can stick it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge then make sure you have enough space to keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you penciled in, don't try to press the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. However, installing a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have 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 right tools and follow the instructions carefully.

This is much simpler to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you might have to be more cautious.

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 will need to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information, you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

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

Cut a Hole

Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the job for you. A botched job may not only look ugly, but also an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter 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 that it is properly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.

It is essential to only cut away the material required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap, but cutting off more than this can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.

If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.

If you're installing an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed window with cat flap with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.

Place the Flap

cat flap in Upvc door panel flaps let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they want to. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually composed of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can choose from a range of options, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.

It is a good idea to choose a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home who could be hurt by glass shattering.