Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back door with cat flap fitted whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat flap installation bristol flap in upvc door panel (This Webpage) from peeing in the house.

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

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind causing damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will let you choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the house and exit without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can mark where on the door the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line you penciled in. Don't press the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you want it to. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.

While this is far simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors with cat flap - although you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you know this you'll need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.

Cut a Hole

It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless you have a lot of expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the task for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.

It is important that you only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the the flap but removing more than this can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap, if this is done, it is important to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you want to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want and let them relax at home whenever they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own an glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not just a matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that the door is secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.

Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in the rain.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have a child or elderly person in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.