Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

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

Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it does require some skills and the proper tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat door in a front door can be difficult however, as long as the cat flap step flap is of the correct one and you follow the directions you can make it less difficult. We will help you draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to prevent them from going too far either way.

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

Set a square to check that you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can begin removing the remaining door material. If you own a set square then make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. However, putting the cat flap to your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.

It is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it can accommodate the new cat flap. This should be simple enough when you have the standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if using a composite or other type of door since these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through wall cat flap. Once you've got the information you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.

Make a hole

It can be a challenge to install a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the job for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to enter when the cat flap in upvc door panel is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the door frame.

A door made of upvc door panel replacement cat flap could contain a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not touch the the cat flap. If this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you're installing the cat flap onto a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. It is cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix the cat flap in bifold doors flap onto an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house when they feel like it. However, if you have a uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically includes a template which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.

After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. However, no matter what type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea opt for a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.