Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house. Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it does require some skills and the proper tools. Take a measurement of the door Installing a cat door into a front door can be difficult however, so long as the cat flap is the right type and you follow the instructions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage. To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of 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 home and exit without needing to open the door each time. Once you have the measurements you can mark where on the door the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, but some kits include drawings that show where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. If you have a set square then make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once cat flap install are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material. Draw a Line The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to. While this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful not to scratch the doors as this will invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind 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 bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you know this you'll need to mark out the area using an eraser and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you create will fit your cat. After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole. Make a hole It isn't easy to fit an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have plenty of experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have a professional to do the task for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside. Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges. After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly. You should only remove the material required to create the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door. A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is important to fill in the gap and render it watertight. If you are fitting an animal flap to an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. This will be less expensive than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose. Fit the Flap Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own an glass panel which can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not a matter of slicing a hole into the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure. A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door. After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models including 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 pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain. A circular fitting is more effective than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have a child or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.