Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please without needing to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

It is much easier to put the cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will require some expertise and right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but if you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will help you draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements, you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge then make sure you have enough clearance from these as this will keep your cat flap in bifold doors safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting along the line that you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, putting an animal flap on your door could be an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many to hire 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 right tools and follow the instructions carefully.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. This should be simple enough when you have a standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if using a composite or other kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid replacement upvc door panel with cat flap panels.

Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat flap in upvc door panel's stomach, and you'll need locate a place in the door that will be within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information, you will need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily into place.

Cut a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless have experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.

A upvc door may include a metal frame, or panel which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done, it is important to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you're installing an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This will be cheaper than trying to install the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you own a uPVC door, it might be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to install a cat flap to these doors. It's not a matter of cutting an opening in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that the door is secure.

A composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door has a template you can use to make the hole.

Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. No matter which type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat flap cost is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in the rain.

It's a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who could be injured by glass shards.