Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

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

It is easier to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll need some skills and the correct tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap in a front door can be difficult, but provided that the cat flap bifold doors flap is the correct one and you follow the instructions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure your pet's width. This will let you select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the home and exit without needing to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark where on the door the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. If you own a set square then use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are happy with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go out and in without worrying about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.

It is much easier to do on a wooden door, but it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to fit the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, but you may need to take extra care if you are using an alternative kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the window cat flap's stomach and you will need to find a spot on the door that will be within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Cut fitting a cat flap Hole

It isn't easy to install a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have a lot of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get a professional to do the job for you. A botched job may not only look ugly, but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

The first thing you have to do is mark the position of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you require when working with an electric tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.

It is crucial to only remove the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you're installing an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and let them relax in the house when they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be hard to install the cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own glass panels which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally composed 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 causing damage. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of options, from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck in the rain.

A circular fitting cat flap in upvc door panel is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer option to use as you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.