Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

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

Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, but it requires some knowledge and the appropriate tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind causing damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and exit without having to open the door every time.

If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill, then stick it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut according to the lines you penciled in, don't try to push the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. If you own a set square then make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature steady. However, fitting the cat flap to your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.

While this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still feasible in upvc door panel with cat flap fitted doors - although you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could end the warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it will fit the new cat flap. This should be easy enough if you are using a standard uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if using an alternative type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat flap fitters near me. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.

Cut a hole

Getting a cat flap installation flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it is recommended to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is traced, you must cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and more user-friendly.

You should only remove the material needed to create the flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

If the upvc door panel with cat flap door has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you are fitting the cat flap install flap onto an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It is cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they feel like it. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to fit an animal flap onto these doors. It's not just a matter of cutting a hole into the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically has a template which you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.

After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of options, from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat flap in upvc door panel is able to use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer option to use as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.