Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the right tools.

Measure 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 be patient and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

The first step is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will require. This will enable you to choose a cat flap installers flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and leave without needing to open the door each time.

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

Set a square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.

While this is far simpler to accomplish with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors since this could end your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it will accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. 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 belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place on the door that will be within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information then you need to mark out the area using an eraser and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat flap installation.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.

Cut a hole

It isn't easy to fit the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel is outdoors and hot air out when it is inside.

The first thing you have to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly placed and runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth any edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with a power tool. If you are worried about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.

It is important that you only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the flap, but cutting off more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not 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 are fitting the cat flap onto an upvc door panel with cat flap door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they want to. If you've got a uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install the cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally made up of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type door has a template can be used to cut the hole.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap. You can pick from a wide range of options, from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.

A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home who could be hurt by glass shattering.