Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back 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 the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, however it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.

Take a look at the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark where on the door the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X, but some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure you have enough clearance from these to keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, but don't push the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. If you have a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are happy with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the steps are adhered to.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough when you have the standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if you have an insulated or composite type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid upvc door panel with cat flap fitted panels.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to locate a place in the door that will be within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you know the opening will fit your cat flap installation near me.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.

Cut a Hole

The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to do the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly 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.

The hole's location should be marked on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you'll need to use an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.

It is essential to only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you'll need to make 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 seal it with water.

If you are fitting the cat flap installation bristol flap onto an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have an glass panel that can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install a cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing an opening in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure it's safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in bad weather.

A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass shattering.