Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

It is much easier to put the cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll need some skills and the right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat door into a front door can be difficult however, so long as the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap installation flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

The first step is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, however some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill, if yours does then stick 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 flap fitting and these elements.

Then put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard because this will make it cut faster than you want it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being in the house window with cat flap a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature steady. However, putting the cat flap to your door could be an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, leading many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.

This is much simpler to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have fitting a cat flap in a upvc door standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a spot in the door where this measurement will fall within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a Hole

Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but also an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready for any rough edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.

You should only remove the material needed to create the cat flap. It is necessary to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems 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 if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap. If this is the case, it is important to fill in the gap and make 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 an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed 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 in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own a glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not just a matter of cutting an opening in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type door has a template you can use to make the hole.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the fitting cat flap in upvc door panel flap itself. You can purchase and install various models including basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people at home who could be hurt by glass fragments.