Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the home.

Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, but it does require some skills and the right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat door into a front door can be difficult however, as long as the cat flap install flap is the correct one and you follow the instructions you can make it less difficult. We will show you how to mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door every time, but it is also small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.

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

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line that you have pencilled in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this can cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap in bifold doors flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without worrying about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the instructions are adhered to.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have the information you'll need to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you know the hole will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time in order 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 a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Make a hole

Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless you have experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the task for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly 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 inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you need to work with an electric tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.

It is essential to only remove the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc may contain a metal frame or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that 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 make it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames, you'll need to consult an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already made for the Cat Flap in upvc door Panel flap. This will be cheaper than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they like. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be hard to install a cat flap fitters flap. This is especially true if you do not own a glass panel that can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not as simple as just making a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need to do first to make sure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually has a template which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.

After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap. You can pick from a variety of designs, from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children living at home who could be hurt by glass shards.