Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.

fitting a cat flap in a upvc door a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it does require some skills and the proper tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut out the door's area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain causing damage.

The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap (look here) you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large 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 stop them from going too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements, Cat Flap you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge ensure that you have clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Set a square to make sure you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without worrying about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, putting an animal flap on your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

While this is far simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you need to be very careful not to scratch the doors as this will end the warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough when you have the standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if you have an insulated or composite 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 height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place near the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information, you will be required to mark the area with pencil and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to make the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Make a hole

Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional in to do the task for you. A botched job could not only look ugly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.

It is best to only remove the material required to make the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the door frame.

A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap installation bristol flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you're planning to install an animal flap to a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap installers flap already drilled in it. It is much less expensive to have this done than to attempt to fix the flap to an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house when they feel like it. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not just a matter of slicing a hole into the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that it is safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually made up of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, cat flap it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models including basic button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get trapped in the 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 leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have a child or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.