Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the house.

Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap in a front door can be difficult however, so long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish off the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage.

The first step is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will enable you to choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw start cutting along the line you penciled in. Don't press the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you can take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go out and in without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the directions are followed.

Although this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you must be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough if you are using a standard uPVC door, but you might need to take extra care if you are using an alternative kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you have the information, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you know the opening 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 crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily.

Make a hole

The process of fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap cover for winter flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it is best to employ an expert to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.

The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs parallel to other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.

Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is essential to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap but removing more than this can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.

If you want to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to do this instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they feel like it. However, if you own an upvc door panel with cat flap fitted door, it might be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally made up of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.

Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in the rain.

It's a good idea to choose a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home that could be injured by glass shattering.