Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around at their own pace without needing to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.

Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge but 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 too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then complete the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door each time, but it is also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far either way.

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

Use a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the rest of the door material. If you have a set square then make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. However, fitting an animal flap on your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, leading many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is an option but you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the instructions are adhered to.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can cause damage to the warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be simple enough for the standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if you have a composite or other kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to move through wall cat flap easily. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area using a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a hole

Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You may be tempted to tackle the task 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 be unsightly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when the cat is inside.

The first thing to do is draw the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs parallel to the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.

You should only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and in this case you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is essential to fill in the gap and render it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to get this done rather than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they want to. However, if you own a uPVC door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap in bifold doors flap. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole in the door though and Fitting Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important 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 in your door.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap in bifold doors flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models including basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in the rain.

A circular fitting cat Flap in upvc door panel is superior than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.