Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please without needing to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the house.

It is simpler to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll require some knowledge and right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

fitting cat flap in upvc door panel 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 instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door every time, yet small enough to prevent them from going too far either way.

If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill then you can put it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom of it then make sure you have clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard because this can cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied window with cat flap the result, you are able to take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home steady. However, putting an animal flap on your door could be an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, leading many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the steps are followed.

While this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you must be careful not to scratch the doors as this will invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it will fit the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult for an ordinary uPVC door, however you may require more care if using an alternative type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you know this you'll need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to make the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a Hole

It isn't easy to install the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also an issue for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole position on the door window with cat flap the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth any edges.

Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.

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

A door made of upvc door panels with cat flap could have a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not touch the the cat flap installer flap. If this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you're looking to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass window with cat flap the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to have this done instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install the cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own a glass panel which can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and fitting cat Flap in upvc door Panel install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to add a cat flap to the doors. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole through the door however, and there are some things you'll need first to make sure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door usually has a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.

After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models including basic push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.

It's a good idea to select circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.