Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

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

It is simpler to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.

Take a look at the Door

Installing a cat door into a front door can be difficult, but so long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure your pet's width. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, however 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 the door. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure that you have clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you have pencilled in. Don't press the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the directions are followed.

This is much simpler to do with wooden doors, but it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've got the information you'll need 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's time to cut the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a hole

The process of Fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing cat flap glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to do the work for you. A mistake could not only look ugly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.

The first thing you have to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door using a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly located and is flush with all the other components of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth any edges.

Wear any safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.

It is important that you only remove the material required to make the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the door frame.

A door made of upvc door panel with cat flap fitted may have a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and in this case you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap, if this is done it is important to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you're planning to install the cat flap step flap onto a upvc door or double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade 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 hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

cat flaps for french doors flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own a glass panel that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not just a matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually composed of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.

Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models including basic push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap fitters near me flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting trapped outside in bad weather.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards of glass.