Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the proper tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will show you how to mark out the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish off the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain causing damage.

The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to keep them from moving too far in either direction.

If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill, then put it on the door and then use 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 will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you have a set square then use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

Although this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you must be cautious not to damage the doors as this will invalidate the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough for an ordinary uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if you have an insulated or composite kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through wall cat flap. Once you have the information you'll need to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.

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

Make a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it is best to employ an expert to do the work for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.

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

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.

It is crucial to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap installation cost flap. It is important to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you're installing an animal flap to the frame of a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It is cheaper to have this done than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you own an uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure that it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind door has a template you can use to make the hole.

After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models including basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. However, no matter what type of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to 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 glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or family. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who could be injured by glass shattering.