Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the home.

It is simpler to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap in a front door could be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the directions you can make it less difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then complete the job by securing the flap to the door. 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, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the home and exit without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure you have enough clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Utilize a set square to check that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. If you own an already-cut square, use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home steady. However, fitting an animal flap on your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.

While this is far easier to do with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful not to scratch the doors since this could invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might require more care.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a spot in the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat flap insulation is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've got the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you know the opening will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.

Cut a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap cat flap in upvc door panel (Continued) a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.

The first thing you have to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you require when working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is essential to only cut away the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap, but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.

A door made of upvc may contain a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap installation near me flap, if this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you want to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they want to. However, if you have an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to fit one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not as simple as just making a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models including basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea to select circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a safer choice to use since you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home who could be hurt by glass fragments.