Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

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

It is easier to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will need some skills and the correct tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap in a front door could be difficult however, so long as the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then complete the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

The first thing to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to stop them from moving too far either way.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, but some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough space to keep your Cat flap in upvc Door panel safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

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

Draw a Line

The cat flap installation cost flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the directions are adhered to.

This is much easier to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you may have to be more cautious.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat flaps for french doors's stomach. You'll need to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you have the information, you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've finished the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily into place.

Cut a Hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the task for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly, but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on hand to smooth any edges.

Wear any safety gear you need to work with the power tool. If you are worried about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.

It is best to only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.

A upvc door may have a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.

If you're installing an animal flap to an upvc door or a 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 in it. This will be cheaper than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own a glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement upvc door panels with cat flap uPVC panel, it's possible to install the cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.

Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.