Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.

Take a look at the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the cat flap in upvc door panel flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the back door with cat flap fitted from wind and rain causing damage.

The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will enable you to choose a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to enter the house and leave without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line you penciled in, don't try to press the blade too hard, as this can make it cut faster than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, putting a cat flap in your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

While this is much easier to do with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you must be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can end the warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough for the standard upvc door panel replacement cat flap door, but you may require more care if using an insulated or composite kind of door, as they are 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 bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the hole will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.

Cut a hole

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

Mark the hole position on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you require when working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.

It is best to only remove the material that is required to make the flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than that could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.

A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.

If you're looking to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have glass panels which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind door has a template you can use to make the hole.

After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea select circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.