Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

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

It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll require some expertise and right tools.

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but if you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door's area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will let you select a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark the location on the door where the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X. However, some kits include an illustration that outlines 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 moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure that you have enough space as this will ensure your cat flap installation cost's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you penciled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this can make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own an already-cut square, use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home steady. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

This is much easier to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is still possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you might have to be more cautious.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need locate a place near the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily in place.

Cut a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake could not only be ugly but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on the ready for any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.

It is essential to only remove the material required to make the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you're looking to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix a cat flap fitters flap into an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

cat flap double glazing flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own a glass panel that is cut. If you're able to buy and install a replacement upvc door panels with cat flap half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not as simple as simply making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's safe.

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

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it's essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.

A circular fitting cat flap in upvc door panel is superior than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.