Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, without you needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.

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

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and also protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the house and exit without having to open the door each time.

If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, you can place it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw begin to cut along the line you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard as this can make it cut faster than you want it to. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the steps are adhered to.

While this is far simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful not to scratch the doors since this could end your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have an ordinary uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if you have an insulated or composite type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a spot near the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have the information you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you know the opening will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.

Make a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once 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 is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready for any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you require when working with a power tool. If you are worried about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.

It is essential to only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap fitters flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than that could cause issues and damage the doors frame.

A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, fitting a cat flap and in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is important to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you're installing the cat flap onto a upvc door or double-glazed window with cat flap with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It will be much cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the cat flap installation cost near me flap onto an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they feel like it. However, if you have an uPVC door, it may be difficult to install an animal flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole through the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.

After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit various models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

It's a good idea to select circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass cat flap installation near me.