Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.

It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will require some expertise and appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat door in a front door can be difficult, but as long as the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the 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 you require, measure the width of your pet. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without needing to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements, you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X, however some kits include 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 moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Set a square to check that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you own an already-cut square, use it to check that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is a proper 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 go inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.

Although  Recommended Browsing  is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you need to be very careful not to scratch the doors as this will invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate 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 sure that the hole will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This 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 cut the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a hole

It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to do the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth out any rough edges.

Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems or damage the doors frame.

If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.

If you're installing an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be cheaper than trying to install a cat flap in 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 like and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they'd like. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own a glass panel which can be cut. If you're able to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to add an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type door has a template you can use to make the hole.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models including basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer choice to use since you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home that might be injured by glass fragments.