Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, fitting cat flap in Upvc door panel without needing to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some knowledge and appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

fitting cat flap in upvc door panel (wikimapia.org) a cat door in a front door can be difficult, but as long as the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then finish the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

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

Once you have the measurements you can mark the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits include a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this can 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 fitting Cat flap in upvc door panel that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. However, putting an animal flap on your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors as this will invalidate the warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough for a standard uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if using an insulated or composite door cat flap kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you have the information, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Make a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.

The first thing you have to do is mark the position of the hole in the door with an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs parallel to the other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you'll need to use a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. It is essential 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 door frame.

A door made of upvc could have a metal frame or panel which could block the microchip cat flap and in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.

If you're looking to install a cat flap in a upvc cat flap door panels or double-glazed window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want and let them relax in the house when they like. However, if you own an uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut for one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap bifold doors flap. It's not a matter of slicing holes in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that the door is safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.

After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models including basic push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in the rain.

It's a good idea select circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home who could be hurt by glass shattering.