Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the home.

It is much easier to put an animal flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll require some knowledge and right tools.

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then finish the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to keep the pet from straying too far either way.

If your kit comes with a drawing showing where to drill, you can place it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this could make it cut faster than you want it to. If you have an already-cut square, make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap in upvc door panel flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without worrying about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature in check. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the instructions are followed.

This is much easier to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is still possible with upvc door panel cat flap. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult for the standard uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if using an alternative type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space on the door that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you have this information you'll need to mark out the area with pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat flap step.

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

Cut a hole

It can be a challenge to install an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have an expert to complete the task for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at ready to smooth any edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.

You should only remove the material required to create the flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.

If you're looking to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this instead of trying to install 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 anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they want to. If you've got a uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add the cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need first to ensure that it's secure.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing which 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 install the cat flap. You can pick from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea choose a circular Fitting Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel rather than one that is square, because 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 safer option to use as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass shattering.