Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.

It is easier to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some expertise and correct tools.

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap installers flap you'll need. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the house and exit without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out where on the door the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with drawings that show where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin to cut according to the lines you penciled in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature stable. However, putting a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is an option but you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the directions are adhered to.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you must be cautious not to damage the doors since this could invalidate your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough for an ordinary upvc door panel replacement cat flap door, but you may need to take more care if using an insulated or composite type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place near the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat flap insulation can comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to make the hole. It is important to take your time 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 using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.

Cut a Hole

The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it is best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you need to work with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.

It is crucial to only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.

If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation, you will need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the flap.

If you're planning to install the cat flap onto a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap in Upvc door panel flap in an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they want to. However, if you have an uPVC door it can be difficult to install an animal flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut for one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not just a matter of slicing holes in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that the door is safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally made up of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting is more effective 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 drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that could be injured by glass shattering.