Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat flap fitting from urinating inside the house.

Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it does require some skills and the proper tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy but if you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then complete the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to prevent them from going too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements, you can determine where on the door the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include drawings that show where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your Cat flap in upvc door panel and these elements.

Utilize a set square to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure 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, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. However, putting a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the directions are followed.

While this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still feasible in upvc door panels with cat flap doors - although you need to be very careful not to scratch the doors as this will end your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you may have to be more cautious.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need locate a place near the door where this measurement is within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil so that you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily.

Cut a hole

It isn't easy to install the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

The first thing you need to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs parallel to the other parts of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at ready to smooth any edges.

Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.

It is essential to only cut away the material needed to make 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 that can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc door panels cat flap and features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.

If you're looking to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc door panel with cat flap with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they like. However, if you have an uPVC door, it may be difficult to install an animal flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as simple as simply making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's secure.

A composite, upvc door panel cat flap, or GRP door panel is typically made up of an extremely thin plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door usually includes a template which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.

Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models, from basic button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea choose a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer option to use as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially important if there are elderly or children living in your home who could be hurt by glass shards.