Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat flap cover for winter go in and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.

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

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. 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 you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far in either direction.

If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, then put it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge then make sure you have enough clearance from these to keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Use a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also helps prevent draughts and helps keep your home's temperature in check. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the steps are adhered to.

Although this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will invalidate the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust 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 for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it is best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly but also pose security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

The first thing you need to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly located and is flush with all other parts of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at ready to smooth out any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.

It is essential to only cut away the material needed to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door.

A upvc door may 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 wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you want to install a cat flap fitters near me flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to have this done than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they feel like it. If you've got an uPVC door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut to fit one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing holes in the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. No matter which type of cat flap in upvc door panel flaps you select it is essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in bad weather.

It's a good idea choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. It's also a safer choice to use since you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.