Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

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

Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.

Take a look at the Door

Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish off the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.

The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you will require. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill then you can place it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it ensure that you have clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut faster than you want it to. If you own an already-cut square, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home steady. However, installing a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.

This is much simpler to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will fit the new cat flap. If  cat flap installation near me  have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of made of composite or another kind of door, you may have to be more cautious.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a place on the door that will be within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you know this then you need to mark out the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.

Make a hole

It isn't easy to put an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but it could also be an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and that it runs parallel to the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.

It is essential to only remove the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is necessary to leave some extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage the door frame.

A upvc door may contain a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you want to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have glass panels which can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add the cat flap. It's not just a matter of cutting an opening in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure that it is safe.

A composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually includes a template that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can pick from a variety of designs, from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in the rain.

It is a good idea to select a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is especially important if there are elderly or children in your home that might be injured by glass shards.