Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.

It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge however, 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 much trouble. We will show you how much to install a cat flap to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements, you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge then make sure you have clearance from these to keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you penciled in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without worrying about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. However, putting a cat flap in your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.

While this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors as this will end the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of 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 flap in Upvc door panel. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a place in the door where this measurement will fall within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this, you will need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a Hole

Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is recommended to hire an expert to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly but also pose security risks. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.

The first thing to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door using an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand to smooth any edges.

Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.

It is best to only remove the material needed to fit the flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this can cause problems or damage the doors frame.

A upvc door may include a metal frame, or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.

If you're installing an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed window cat flap with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house when they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have glass panels which can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not just a matter of drilling a hole into the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your 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 purchase and install many different models including basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck 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 are more likely to break the glass when drilled. 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 your family members. This is especially important if you have a child or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.