Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat flap cover for winter from urinating inside the house.

Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc door panel with cat flap fitted is a lot easier than glass doors, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult however, so long as the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the Cat Flap in upvc door Panel flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. 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 each time, but it is also small enough to prevent them from moving too far either way.

Once you have the measurements you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X. However, some kits include drawings that show where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Utilize a set square to make sure you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the remaining door material. If you have a set square then use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is in a rectangular shape. 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 way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. However, putting the cat flap to your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the steps are followed.

While this is far simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors since this could invalidate the warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough when you have a standard uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if using an insulated or composite door cat flap kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Make a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless have a lot of expertise in DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.

It is essential to only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.

A door made of upvc door panel replacement cat flap could contain a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and in this case you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is the case, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window cat flap with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is cheaper to have this done than to attempt to fix the flap to an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and let them relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own a glass panel which can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to install the cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as simply making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure that it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into 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 your door.

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.

It's a good idea opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when a drill is 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 child or an elderly person living in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.