Fitting Cat Flap In UPVC Door Panel

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cat flap installation cost flaps let your cat leave and come back as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

It is easier to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and correct tools.

Take a measurement of the door

fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap in the door isn't easy but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how much to install a cat flap to trace the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then complete 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 which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will let you choose a cat flap in upvc door panel flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, then put it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you penciled in. Don't press the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you'd like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the final 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 out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. However, installing an animal flap on your door could be an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.

While this is far easier to do when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you should be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can cause damage to the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area on the door that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust could be hazardous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.

Cut a Hole

Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is recommended to hire an expert to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is inside.

The first thing you need to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly located and is flush with all other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is essential to only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than this can cause problems or damage the doors frame.

If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.

If you're installing an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they like. However, if you have a uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need first to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally made up of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever type of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.

It's a good idea opt for a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are 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 especially important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.