Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

cat flap insulation flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.

It is much easier to put the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will show you how to mark out the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish off the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop them from going too far either way.

Once you have the measurements you can mark where on the door the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom of it ensure that you have clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting 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 make it cut faster than you'd like it to. If you have a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a good 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 in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. However, fitting a cat flap in your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before, leading many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.

This is much easier to do on doors made of wood, however it is still possible with upvc door panel cat flap. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to 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 might have to be more cautious.

Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a spot on the door where this measurement is within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have the information, you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily.

Cut a Hole

Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the task for you. A mistake in the process 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 inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on ready for any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.

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

A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure 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 oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you're planning to install the cat flap in upvc door panel flap onto a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This is less expensive than fitting the flap into an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference to cut the hole in the door.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have a child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards glass.