Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please, without you having to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat flap installation cost near me from peeing in the home.

Fitting a cat flap step flap in a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, but it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.

Take a measurement of the door

fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap in the door isn't easy but 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 much trouble. We will show you how to mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut the door area. 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 rain and wind damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. 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 each time, yet small enough to stop them from moving too far either way.

Once you have the measurements, you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure you have enough space because this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line that you penciled in. Don't press the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. If you have a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home stable. However, fitting a cat flap in your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.

This is much simpler to do with wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you might need to be more careful.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.

Make a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted 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 hire an expert to do the work for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly located and is flush with all the other parts of the door. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at hand to smooth any edges.

Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.

It is essential to only cut away the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.

If you're installing an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. It is cheaper to have this done than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have an glass panel which can be cut. If you're able to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add a cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of slicing a hole into the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually composed of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.

After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models including basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat flap step is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in the rain.

A circular fitting is better than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have a child or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.