Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go whenever they want, without you having to let him in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.

It is much easier to put the cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll need some skills and the appropriate tools.

Take a look at the Door

Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door every time, but also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X. However, some kits include drawings that show the location 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 of it ensure you have enough space because this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to start removing the remaining door material. If you own an already-cut square, make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap in bifold doors flap lets you to let your pet go inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.

While this is far easier to do with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough when you have an ordinary uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if using an insulated or composite type of door as these are more difficult to cut into 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. It is important to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area with an eraser and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut 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 uneven and rough. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a Hole

It isn't easy to put a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for Fitting Cat flap in upvc door panel you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.

The first thing you need to do is mark the position of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is placed and runs flush with all other parts of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready for any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you need to work with a power tool. If you are worried about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.

You should only remove the material required to make the flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the door frame.

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

If you are fitting an animal flap to an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap installers flap premade inside. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the house when they'd like. However, if you have an uPVC door it can be difficult to install a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not just a matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that it is safe.

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

Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. However, no matter what type of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.

It's a good idea to opt for a circular fitting cat flap in upvc door panel rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.