Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the home. It is easier to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll need some skills and the correct tools. Take a measurement of the door Fitting a cat door in a front door can be difficult, but as long as the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields 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 let you select a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door every time. If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill, then place it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom of it ensure you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home. Use a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material. Draw a Line The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. However, fitting cat flap fitters in your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the steps are adhered to. This is much easier to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. First, you must take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough when you have a standard uPVC door, however you may require extra care if you are using a composite or other type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels. Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance 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 will fall within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you know this you'll be required to mark the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat. Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole. Cut a Hole It can be difficult to fit an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have expertise in DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional in to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly but also pose security risks. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when the cat is inside. The first thing to do is mark the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges. Wear any safety equipment you need to work with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and more user-friendly. It is crucial to only cut away the material required 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 harm the frame of the door. If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap. If you're planning to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to have this done than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose. Place the Flap Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they'd like. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have glass panels that can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install a cat flap. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's secure. A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole. After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. No matter which type of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in the rain. It's a good idea opt for circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.