Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

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

It is much easier to put the cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and right tools.

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing how to trace the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far in either direction.

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

Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut according to the lines you have pencilled in. Don't press the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The window cat flap flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the directions are adhered to.

Although this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat flap fitting-flap. This should be simple enough for the standard uPVC door, but you might need to take more care if using a composite or other kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your pet can comfortably go through wall cat flap. Once you have this information then you be required to mark the area using pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you create will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it's time to make the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Make a hole

It isn't easy to put an animal flap on a back door with cat flap fitted panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when it is inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on hand for any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.

You should only remove the material that is required to create the flap. It is necessary to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap.

If you are fitting an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap inside. It will be much cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and let them relax in the home whenever they want to. However, if you have a uPVC door it can be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install a cat flap (helpful hints). It's not just a matter of cutting holes in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in your door.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install many different models including basic push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in the rain.

It's a good idea select circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.