Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house. It is easier to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll need some skills and the right tools. Measure the Door Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult, but as long as the cat flap is the right type and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut the door's area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage. The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without needing to open the door every time. If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill, you can stick it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill. Then put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material. Draw a Line The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. However, installing an animal flap on your door could be an intimidating task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the steps are adhered to. While this is far simpler with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors – although you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you may require more care. Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you know this, you will need to mark out the area with an eraser and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat. Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily in place. Cut a hole Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside. The hole's location should be marked on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. cat flap fitters will ensure that it is properly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges. Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use. It is crucial to only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame. A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight. If you're installing the cat flap onto a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It is cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose. Install the Flap Cat flaps let your pet move around as they please, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a 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's possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not just a matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that the door is safe. A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type door has a template you can use to make the hole. After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. However, no matter what type of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather. It's a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children at home who could be injured by glass shattering.