Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the home.

It is easier to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll need some skills and the correct tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap in the front door is difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will let you select a flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter the home and exit without needing to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements, you can determine the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, however some kits include a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does, then you can 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 as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. However, installing 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 call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

This is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors with cat flap as this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it can fit the new cat flap installation cost flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you might have to be more cautious.

Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area on the back door with cat flap fitted that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, 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. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.

Cut a hole

The process of fitting cat flap in Upvc Door panel a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is best to employ an expert to do the job for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but also a security risk and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand to smooth any edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.

You should only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the flap but removing more than that can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and in this case you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.

If you're installing the cat flap onto a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be cheaper than fitting the flap into an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they feel like it. However, if you own a uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to fit one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap install flap. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.

A composite door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door has a template you can use to make the hole.

After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a range of options, from simple push-button flaps to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in bad weather.

It's a good idea select circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need 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 young or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.