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 prevent your cat from peeing in the home.

It is much easier to put an animal flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.

Take a look at the Door

Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage.

The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will need. This will enable you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X, but some kits include a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge then make sure you have enough space to ensure your cat flap bifold doors's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Utilize a set square to make sure you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove 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 having to worry about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature of your home stable. However, putting the cat flap to your door could be an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.

This is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will fit the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to determine the height 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 find a place near the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat flap double glazing is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information then you need to mark out the area with an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily.

Make a hole

It isn't easy to install an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it is best to hire an expert to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.

The first thing you need to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs parallel to other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.

It is best to only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is important to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.

If you are fitting cat flap in upvc door panel (sciencewiki.science) the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap inside. This will be cheaper than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they want to. If you've got a uPVC door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to fit an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally composed of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.

Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap. You can purchase and install various models, from basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting trapped outside in bad weather.

It's a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards glass.