Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet move around as they please without you having to let him in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the right tools.

Take a look at the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure the width of your pet. This will let you select a flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the house and exit without needing to open the door every time.

If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, you can put it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Use a set square to make sure you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are happy with this you can begin to take off the remaining door material.

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 in the house with visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature in check. However, fitting a cat flap in a upvc door an animal flap on your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

This is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. This should be simple enough for a standard uPVC door, however you may require extra care if you are using an insulated or composite kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place near the door that will be within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place.

Cut a Hole

It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have a lot of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the task for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.

Wear any safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.

It is crucial to only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is important to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.

A upvc door panel cat flap door may include a metal frame, or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure 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 gap and make it watertight.

If you're planning to install the cat flap onto a upvc door or double glazing cat flap glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. This is less expensive than fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap in an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own a glass panel which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add the cat flap in bifold doors flap. It's not as simple as simply making a hole in the back door with cat flap fitted, however there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's safe.

A composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a wide range of options, from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that could be injured by glass shattering.