Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet move around at their own pace without needing to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the house.

Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, but it does require some skills and the proper tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be a problem. We will show how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then finish off the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to keep the pet from straying too far either way.

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 drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Use a set square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. If you have an already-cut square, use it to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call 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 own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

While this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still feasible in Replacement Upvc Door Panels With Cat Flap doors - although you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. First, you need to take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if you have a composite or other type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need locate a place on the door that will be within the range that your cat flap insulation can comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with 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 essential to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.

Cut a hole

It isn't easy to put the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless have experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be ugly but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and aligns with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready for any rough edges.

Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

You should only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than that can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc could have a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you are fitting cat flap in Upvc door panel the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed window cat flap with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the house when they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have an glass panel that is cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to install an animal flap onto these doors. It's not a simple matter of slicing an opening in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that the door is secure.

A composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically has a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap cover for winter flap. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming stuck outside 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 are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or family. This is especially important if you have child or elderly person in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.