Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want without having to let him in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

It is simpler to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one but you'll require some expertise and right tools.

Measure the Door

fitting cat flap In upvc door panel a cat flap in upvc door cost door in a front door could be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door each time, but also small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.

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

Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without worrying about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home stable. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly 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 wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. First, you must take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if using a composite or other kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need to locate a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information then you need to mark out the area with pencil and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your fitting cat flap in upvc door panel.

Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.

Cut a Hole

It can be a challenge to fit an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional in to do the task for you. A botched job could not only look ugly, but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is inside.

The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is placed and runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand for any rough edges.

After the line is traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.

It is best to only remove the material needed to make the flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.

A upvc door may include a metal frame, or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap, and in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you're installing a cat flap step flap into an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This will be cheaper than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they like. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have glass panels that is cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add a cat flap to the doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need first to ensure that it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.

Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models including basic button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in the rain.

It's a good idea opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children living in your home that could be hurt by glass fragments.