Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet move around as they please 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 back door with cat flap fitted panel is much easier than in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.

Take a look at the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.

If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill then you can put it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard because this could make it cut faster than you want it to. If you have a set square then use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the steps are followed.

While this is far easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful not to scratch the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough if you are using the standard upvc cat flap door panels door, however you might need to take extra care if you are using a composite or other type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you've got the information you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat flap glass door installation near me.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to 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 process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily into place.

Cut a Hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to do the work for you. A mistake could not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when inside.

The first thing to do is mark the position of the hole in the door with pencil 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 sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is crucial to only cut away the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the flap, but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you're installing the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have an glass panel that is cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not just a matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically composed of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in bad weather.

A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.