Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to let him in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.

Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky but if you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing damage.

The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the home 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 use a pencil around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure you have enough clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you own a set square then use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without worrying about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. However, fitting an animal flap on your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the directions are followed.

Although this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will cause damage to the 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 for a standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if using a composite or other kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you will need to locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily in place.

Cut a Hole

It can be difficult to install an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the job for you. A mistake could not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when the cat is inside.

The first thing you need to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs parallel to the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready to smooth out any rough edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.

You should only remove the material required to make the flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.

If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you're planning to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to install the flap into an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own an glass panel which can be cut. If you're able to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not a matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that it is safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically composed of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage.  Repair My Windows And Doors  comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.

Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models including basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.

It's a good idea choose a circular fitting rather than a square one, as 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. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.