Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is how much to install a cat flap simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

fitting Cat flap in Upvc door panel a cat flap in the door can be a challenge however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will help you mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to prevent them from going too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually, 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 moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it ensure that you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out 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 a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. First, you must measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of 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 stomach. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area on the door that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you've got the information you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily into place.

Cut a Hole

Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but also an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

The first thing you have to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly located and is flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

After the line is traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is how much to install a cat flap quieter and easier to use.

It is best to only remove the material required to create the flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the flap.

If you're looking to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and let them relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not a matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that it is safe.

A composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door typically has a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.

It's a good idea select a circular fitting rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if a drill is used on it. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.