Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come at their own pace without needing to let him in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.

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

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap cost flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage.

The first step is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will need. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however some kits come with drawings that show where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

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 press the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. If you own an already-cut square, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to take off the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them coming in with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps keep your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the instructions are adhered to.

It is much easier to do on a wooden door, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you need to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard upvc door panel replacement cat flap panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you know the hole will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a hole

It can be difficult to install a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly, but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you are worried about the sound 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 that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than that could cause issues and damage the doors frame.

If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you are fitting cat flap in upvc door panel (topspeed.lv) a cat flap into a upvc door or double glazed window cat flap with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It will be much cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own glass panels that is cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to fit a cat flap to the doors. It's not a matter of cutting a hole into the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.

After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to choose a circular fitting rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer option to use as you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are children or elderly people in your home who could be injured by glass shards.