Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around whenever they want without needing to let him in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.

Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of upvc door panels with cat flap is much easier than in a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will show you how to mark out the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then complete the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap remains in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a cat flap cost flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough space because this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin to cut along the line you've drawn in, but don't press the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go out and in without worrying about them coming in with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. However, installing a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.

This is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors with cat flap as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you may need to be more careful.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a spot in the door where this measurement is within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you know the opening will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, 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

Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A botched job could not only be ugly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.

The first thing to do is draw the location of the hole in the back door with cat flap fitted using a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

You should only remove the material that is required to make the flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or panel 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 does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is important to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to have this done than to attempt to fix the flap to an existing pane of glass 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 allow them to be comfortable in the house when they'd like. If you've got an uPVC door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're able to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not a simple matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.

A composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually has a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole into your door.

After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models including basic button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what kind of Fitting cat flap in upvc door panel flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have a child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.