Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want without needing to let him in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.

It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will need some skills and the appropriate 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 be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will show you how to mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will enable you to choose a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter the home and exit without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom of it then make sure you have clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line you have pencilled in, don't try to push the blade too hard because this can make it cut faster than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able to take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home steady. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the steps are followed.

While this is far simpler with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could end the warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, however you might need to take extra care if you are using a composite or other kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat flap in upvc door panel's belly. 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 is within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it is time to make the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous 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 cost flap can be fitted easily in place.

Cut a Hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is probably best to get an expert to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.

The first thing to do is mark the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly placed and runs flush with all other parts of the door. It is important to have some sandpaper on hand for any rough edges.

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.

You should only remove the material required to fit the flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than this could cause issues and damage the doors frame.

If the door is made of upvc door panel with cat flap fitted and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the flap.

If you're installing a cat flap into an upvc door or a double-glazed window with cat flap with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they'd like. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have an glass panel that can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional 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 it's secure.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind door has a template you can use to make the hole.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap. You can choose from a range of designs, from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever type of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad 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 drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that might be injured by glass shattering.