Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet move around whenever they want without you needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the home. Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools. Measure the Door Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but as long as 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 be showing how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage. The first thing to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without having to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction. Once you have the measurements, you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it then make sure you have clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home. Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. If you own an already-cut square, use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material. Draw a Line The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home stable. However, putting a cat flap in your door could be an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, leading many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully. While this is much simpler to accomplish with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult for the standard uPVC door, but you may need to take extra care if you are using an alternative type of door as these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels. The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need to locate a place near the door where this measurement is within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you know this you'll be required to mark the area using pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will create will fit your cat. Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. cat flap fitters should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place. Cut a Hole The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have expertise in DIY, it's likely to be best to have an expert to complete the job for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside. Mark the hole's position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety gear for working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use. You should only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this could cause issues and harm the frame of the door. A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap, and in this case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not touch the the cat flap. If this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight. If you're planning to install an animal flap to the frame of a double-glazed window with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It is cheaper to have this done than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose. Fit the Flap Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have glass panels that can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install a cat flap. It's not just a matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure it's secure. A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually composed of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door has a template you can use to make the hole. After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models including basic push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain. It is a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a safer option to use as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home who could be hurt by glass shards.