Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet come and go whenever they want, without you needing to let them in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.

Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the right tools.

Take a look at the Door

The installation of a cat flap in a front door can be difficult however, as long as the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then complete the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap remains in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap in upvc door panel flap you'll need. This will allow you to select a flap that is large enough for 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 where on the door the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X. However, some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Use a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you can begin removing the remaining door material. If you have an already-cut square, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.

It is much easier to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you may have to be more cautious.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a spot in the door that will be within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you know the opening will fit your cat flap installer.

Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap fitting flap can be fitted easily.

Make a hole

The process of fitting cat flap In upvc Door panel a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have a professional to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready for any rough edges.

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

You should only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. It is essential to leave some extra 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.

If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you want to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to have this done than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have an glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement upvc door panel with cat flap panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not a matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure that it is safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally made up of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically includes a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole into the door.

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in the rain.

It's a good idea to opt for a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children living at home who could be hurt by glass fragments.