Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

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

Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using 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 position and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap you need, 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 having to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge 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.

Put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw begin to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard because this can make it cut faster than you want it to. If you have an already-cut square, use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle 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 having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. However, Fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap in your door could be an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, leading many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.

While this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you should be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can cause damage to the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it will be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is composite door cat flap or a different type of door, you might require more care.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place in the door that will be within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have the information you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.

Make a hole

Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when the cat is inside.

The first thing you have to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs parallel to other parts of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready for any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.

You should only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc may contain a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.

If you're planning to install an animal flap to the frame of a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap inside. It is much less expensive to get this done rather than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they like. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own glass panels which can be cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed upvc door panel with cat flap fitted panel, it's possible to fit a cat flap to the doors. It's not a matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure it's secure.

A composite, upvc door panel replacement cat flap, or GRP door panel is usually composed of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door has a template you can use to make the hole.

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is especially important if there are elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass shards.