Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace without having to let them in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.

Installing a cat flap fitting near me flap on a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.

Take a measurement of the door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then finish the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will let you choose a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to go into the home and exit without needing to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, but some kits include a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the back door with cat flap fitted and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom of it ensure that you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

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 push the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. If you own an already-cut square, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. However, putting a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.

While this is far simpler when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors, as this can cause damage to the warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat flap in upvc door panel-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using the standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if you have an alternative type of door as these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat flap fitting. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you have this information, you will have to draw the area using pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to make the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily in place.

Make a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have a professional to do the task for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but also a security risk and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.

The first thing to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you'll need to use a power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.

It is best to only remove the material needed to fit the flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation, you will need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.

If you're installing an animal flap to a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. It is cheaper to do this than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they're feeling like it. If you have a upvc cat flap door panels front door, it can be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have glass panels which can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install a cat flap. It's not as simple as cutting a hole through the door, however there are some things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, upvc door panel with cat flap fitted, or GRP door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and cat flap in upvc door panel care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in bad weather.

It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a safer option to use as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home that could be injured by glass shards.