Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

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

It is easier to install the cat flap installation flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some knowledge and appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut the door area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door every time.

If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill then you can place it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard, as this can cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also stops draughts and keeps your home's temperature stable. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

This is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat flap fitters's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place near the door where this measurement will fall within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you know the hole will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily.

Cut 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 experienced in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only look ugly but also pose security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat flap fitting is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

The first thing you have to do is mark the position of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly located and is parallel to the other components of the door. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at hand for any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.

You should only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap in upvc door panel flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than that can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap in this case you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.

If you are fitting the cat flap In upvc door panel flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they're feeling like it. However, if you have a uPVC door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to install a cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as simply making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.

A composite door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in the door.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a range of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting cat flap in upvc door panel is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. It's also a safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.