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 flap in bifold doors from urinating inside the house.

It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will require some expertise and appropriate tools.

Take a look at the Door

Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing damage.

The first step is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap in Upvc door panel flap you'll need. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the house and leave without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line that you penciled in, but don't push the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without having to worry about them being a nuisance to guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also helps prevent draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the instructions are followed.

Although this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors since this could end the warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a place on the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information then you be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you've finished the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flaps for french doors flap can be fitted easily.

Cut a hole

Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless have expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get an expert to complete the job for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly, but also pose security risks. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.

The first thing to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is placed and runs in a straight line with the other components of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety gear for working with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.

It is important that you only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap, but cutting off more than this could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.

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

If you're installing the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who will supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is much less expensive to do this instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet come and go whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they feel like it. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to install a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement upvc door panels with cat flap uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit the cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as cutting a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need first to make sure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically includes a template which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.

After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.

A circular fitting is superior than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children at home who could be injured by glass fragments.