Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

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

It is easier to install an animal flap on a upvc door panel replacement cat flap panel than a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat flap in 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 a problem. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap is in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure the width of your pet. This will let you select a flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the home and exit without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements, you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits come with drawings that show where to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge ensure you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat flap installation cost safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Set a square to check that you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to begin to remove the remaining door material. If you own a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.

While this is much easier to do with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you should be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can cause damage to the warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat flap step-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of made of composite or another kind of door, you may require more care.

Next, you will need 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. It is important to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have this information then you be required to mark the area with an eraser and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need a 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, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.

Cut a hole

It isn't easy to put an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. It is important to have some sandpaper on ready to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you'll need to use the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is crucial to only cut away the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap, but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.

A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they want to. If you've got a uPVC door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install a cat flap to these doors. It's not a matter of slicing holes in the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure that it is safe.

A composite door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind door has a template you can use to cut the hole.

After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can pick from a variety of options, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. However, no matter what type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.