Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

It is simpler to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll need some skills and the appropriate tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.

If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, you can put it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Use a set square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home stable. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions with care.

Although this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if you have an alternative type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to make the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust can be dangerous 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 fitted into place.

Make a hole

It isn't easy to fit the cat flap onto a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have an expert to complete the task for you. A botched job could not only look ugly, but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air in when the cat flap step is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.

The first thing you need 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 properly positioned and that it runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.

If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you want to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with cat flap with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like, allowing them to relax in the house when they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.

A composite door cat flap, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.

Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can pick from a range of designs, from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting caught in the rain.

It's a good idea opt for a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children at home who might be injured by glass fragments.