Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

It is simpler to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky however, 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 be showing how to trace the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish off the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap remains in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you will require. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X, however some kits come with drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure that you have enough space to ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Set a square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the final result, you can 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 worrying about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature in check. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are followed.

While this is much simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible in upvc door panel with cat flap doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors since this could end the warranty. First, you must measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you have this information then you have to draw the area using pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you create will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to make the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.

Make a hole

It can be difficult to install an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.

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

Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.

You should only remove the material that is required to create the cat flap. It is important to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.

If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.

If you are fitting a cat flap the cat flap onto a upvc door or double glazing cat flap glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a professional who will supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It is much less expensive to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

cat Flap in upvc door panel flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have an glass panel which can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add a cat flap. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door comes with a template that you can use to cut 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 a wide variety of different models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.

A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer option to use as you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards of glass.