Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

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

Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, but it does require some skills and the proper tools.

Take a look at the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the house and exit without needing to open the door every time.

If your kit comes with a drawing showing where to drill, you can stick it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough space because this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard as this can make it cut faster than you'd like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the steps are followed.

While this is far simpler when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite door cat flap or another type of door, you may require more care.

Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area on the door that allows your cat flap fitting to move through easily. Once you've got the information you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a 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 your cat flap will fit easily into place.

Make a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap cost flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to do the work for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but it could also be an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand to smooth any edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is best to only remove the material required to make the flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than this could cause issues and damage the doors frame.

A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel which could block the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not come into contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is essential to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you're looking to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to do this instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you own a uPVC door it can be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's secure.

A upvc door panels with cat flap, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.

After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without getting trapped outside in bad weather.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is particularly crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home that could be injured by glass shards.