Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.

Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the proper tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure the flap remains in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door each time, but it is also small enough to prevent them from going too far either way.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out where on the door the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X. However,  repairmywindowsanddoors  include a drawing that shows where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it ensure that you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

It is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you must measure the door to make sure it will 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 might require more care.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a spot in the door where this measurement is within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information, you will be required to mark the area with an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will create will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.

Make a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is essential to only cut away the material needed to make the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you're installing the cat flap onto the frame of a double-glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want, allowing them to relax in the house when they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own an glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to make sure it's safe.

A composite, 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 should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can choose from a range of options, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap without getting caught in the rain.

It is a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. It's also a much safer option as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children living in your home that could be injured by glass shattering.