Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.

Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is much easier than in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.

Take a measurement of the door

fitting a cat flap in a upvc door a cat door in a front door can be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind causing damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without needing to open and cat flap in upvc Door panel close the door every time, yet small enough to stop the pet from straying too far either way.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X, but some kits come with drawings that show where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Then put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin to cut according to the lines you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard, as this can cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap in upvc door cost flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. However, fitting the cat flap to your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, leading many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.

It is much easier to do with wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. First, you must take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have the standard uPVC door, however you may require 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 size of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a spot near the door that will be within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to make the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with 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 fitted into place.

Cut a Hole

Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake could not only look ugly, but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air to enter when the cat flap in upvc door panel is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready for any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you need to work with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.

You should only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.

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

If you're planning to install an animal flap to a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is much less expensive to do this than to attempt to fix the flap to an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like and let them relax in the house when they like. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install a cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own glass panels that is cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of cutting a hole into the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure it's secure.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.

Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and only let your pet in. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. It's also a safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have a child or elderly person in your home who may be hurt by shards of glass.