Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the house.

Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it requires some knowledge and the right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult, but as long as the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the instructions you can make it less difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then complete the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing damage.

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

Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat flap in bifold doors and these elements.

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard, as this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.

This is much easier to do on a wooden door, but it is still possible using upvc door panels with cat flap. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. First, you need to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might require more care.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to locate a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have the information, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a Hole

It isn't easy to put the cat flap bifold doors flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have an expert to complete the task for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but also an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

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

Wear any safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.

It is best to only remove the material required to create the flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.

If you are fitting a cat flap into a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is much less expensive to have this done instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own an glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to fit a cat flap installer flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of slicing holes in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that it is secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually composed of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.

Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models that range from simple push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap in upvc door panel flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat flap in upvc door panel is able to use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to select circular fittings instead of 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 safer choice to use since you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.