Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want without you having to let him 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 a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and right tools.

Measure the Door

Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult however, so long as the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut out the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.

If your kit has an illustration of where to drill, then put it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge then make sure you have enough space to ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line that you penciled in, but don't press the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. However, putting a cat flap in your door could be an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.

It is much easier to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you might require more care.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to pass through wall cat flap comfortably. Once you have this information you'll be required to mark the area using pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.

After you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This 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. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily.

Cut a Hole

It isn't easy to fit a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.

Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with a power tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.

It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.

A door made of upvc could have a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and render it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into the frame of a double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. It is cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they like. If you've got an uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that can be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not a simple matter of slicing holes in the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.

A composite, upvc door panels cat flap, or GRP door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.

Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap in upvc door panel (Read the Full Guide) flap. You can pick from a variety of options, from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. No matter which type of cat flap you pick, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who could be hurt by glass shards.