Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please, without you needing to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.

It is easier to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some expertise and right tools.

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but as long as you use the correct 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 help you draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and also protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

The first step is determine the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will let you select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the home and exit without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements, you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits come with drawings that show where to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure that you have enough clearance from these to keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines you penciled in, don't try to push the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. However, installing a cat flap in your door could be an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the instructions are adhered to.

Although this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors, as this can cause damage to the warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can accommodate the new cat flap. This should be simple enough if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if you have an alternative type of door since these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a spot on the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information, you will need to mark out the area with a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a Hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter 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 pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is located and is flush with all other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.

It is essential to only cut away the material needed to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

A upvc door may 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 over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is important to fill in the gap and render it watertight.

If  cat flap install  planning to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They will 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 than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like, allowing them to relax at home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add a cat flap. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole through the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure that it's safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.

After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. No matter which type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children at home who might be injured by glass fragments.