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 prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult however, provided that the cat flap installers flap in upvc door panel (information from Lingshangkaihua) flap is the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to prevent them from going too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, but some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge ensure that you have enough clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Set a square to check that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. If you own an already-cut square, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home steady. However, fitting the cat flap to your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.

This is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough for an ordinary 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.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and 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. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily in place.

Cut a Hole

It isn't easy to put an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to employ an expert to do the work 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 flap cost is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. It is important to have some sandpaper on the ready to smooth out any rough edges.

After the line is traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.

It is important that you only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.

A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the gap and render it watertight.

If you want to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to have this done instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you have an uPVC door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap, particularly if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you're able to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to fit the cat flap to the doors. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole through the door, however there are some things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.

After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to choose circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. 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 family. This is particularly important if there are children or elderly people in your home that could be hurt by glass shattering.