Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.

It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and correct tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure the flap remains in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you will require. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location 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, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own an already-cut square, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. However, putting an animal flap on your door could be an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.

It is much easier to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you might need to be more careful.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place in the door where this measurement will fall within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you know the hole will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.

Make a hole

It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have plenty of experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly 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's position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear  cat flap cost Repair My Windows And Doors  need to work with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.

It is important that you only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.

If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the flap.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is cheaper to do this than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they like. However, if you have an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you're willing to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to add a cat flap to the doors. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically composed of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This kind door has a template you can use to make the hole.

Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

It's a good idea opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children living in your home who might be injured by glass shattering.