Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.

It is easier to install a cat flap bifold doors flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and right tools.

Take a look at 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 be patient and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will help you draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door every time, yet small enough to keep them from going too far either way.

If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill then you can place it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge ensure that you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Use a set square to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap step (click here to visit hangoutshelp.net for free) flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature steady. However, putting a cat flap in your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.

While this is far easier to do with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors since this could end your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it will accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you might need to be more careful.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a spot near the door that will be within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a Hole

It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing cat flap glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.

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

Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.

It is essential to only cut away the material that is required to fit 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 damage the doors frame.

A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you are fitting an animal flap to an upvc door or a double-glazed window cat flap with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. It is much less expensive to have this done than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house when they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own glass panels which can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add a cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door however, and there are a few things you'll need first to make sure it's safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.

A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is especially important if you have child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.