Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

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

fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it requires some knowledge and the appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap fitters flap in a front door could be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the right type and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish off the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

The first step is determine the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without having to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to keep them from moving too far in either direction.

If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill, then stick it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw start cutting along the line you penciled in. Don't push the blade too hard because this can cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. If you have a set square then use it to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the rest of the back door with cat flap fitted material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. However, installing a cat flap in your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the directions are followed.

While this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you should be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can end your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Make a hole

It can be a challenge to install a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not experienced in DIY, it's best to hire an expert to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.

The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth out any rough edges.

Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.

It is best to only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and render it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap inside. It is cheaper to do this instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they want to. However, if you have a upvc door panels with cat flap door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not a matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure it's secure.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.