Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet come and go at their own pace without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, but it does require some skills and the proper tools.

Take a look at the Door

fitting a cat flap - what google did to me, in a door can be tricky but if you use the correct type of cat flap in upvc door panel flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will help you draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will enable you to select a flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting along the line you have pencilled in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this will cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. If you have a set square then use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

While this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still feasible in upvc door panels cat flap doors - although you should be careful not to scratch the doors as this will invalidate your 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's easy. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you might have to be more cautious.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a spot on the door where this measurement is within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your back door with cat flap fitted. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily in place.

Make a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.

You should only remove the material required to create the flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.

If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.

If you want to install a cat flap double glazing flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap fitting near me flap. This is especially true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you're able to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's secure.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.

Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to choose a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a safer option as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass fragments.