Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.

Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap insulation flap in the door can be a challenge but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing you how much to install a cat flap to draw the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.

The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door every 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, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines 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 a sill at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Then put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you penciled in. Don't push the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the remaining 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 reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

This is much simpler to do with wooden doors, but it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to be able to 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 have to be more cautious.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to make the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily.

Make a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have a lot of experience in DIY it is probably best to get an expert to complete the job for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.

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 flap, but cutting off more than this can cause problems or damage the doors frame.

A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or panel which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you want to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they'd like. If you've got an uPVC door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type door has a template can be used to cut the hole.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in the rain.

A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make the glass cat flap installation near me more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have child or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.