Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.

It is easier to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some expertise and correct tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat Flap in Upvc door panel flap inside the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will show how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

The first step is determine the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the house and leave without needing to open the door each time.

If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill then you can stick it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure that you have enough clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Set a square to check that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you can begin removing the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. However, installing an animal flap on your door could be an overwhelming 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 if your tools are appropriate and the directions are followed.

While this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you'll need locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've got the information, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you know the hole will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.

Cut a hole

It can be difficult to put the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but it could also be an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is crucial 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 cutting off more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.

If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to make an oversize 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 inside a upvc or double-glazed window with cat flap with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to do this than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they're feeling like it. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're willing to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to install the cat flap to these doors with cat flap. It's not as simple as just making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally made up of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide to cut the hole in your door.

After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting a cat flap is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or your family. This is especially important if there are elderly or children in your home who could be injured by glass shattering.