Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much easier than in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the right tools.

Measure the Door

fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap in the door isn't easy however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then finish off the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind causing damage.

The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.

If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, you can place it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge ensure you have clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start cutting along the line that you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.

Although this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in upvc cat flap door panels doors, but you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it will accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard upvc door panel replacement cat flap panel it's easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might have to be more cautious.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area on the door that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a Hole

The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.

The first thing to do is mark the position of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you require when working with the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.

It is best to only remove the material required to fit the flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.

A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is important to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you're planning to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and let them relax in the house when they'd like. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have glass panels that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit the cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole through the door, however there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft insulating polystyrene 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 reference to cut the hole into your door.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit various models, from basic push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.

A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.