Notes

Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want without needing to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the house.

It is easier to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then cat flap installer repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and exit without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge then make sure you have enough clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines you penciled in, don't try to press the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut faster than you want it to. If you own a set square then make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. However, putting an animal flap on your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the steps are followed.

This is much easier to do on wooden doors, but it is still possible using uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area using an eraser and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you create will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust could be hazardous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.

Cut a hole


It isn't easy to put a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless have a lot of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional in to do the task for you. A botched job could not only be ugly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you require when working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is important to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.

If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you are fitting an animal flap to an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap inside. This will be less expensive than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they want to. However, if you own a uPVC door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need first to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.

After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models including basic push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.

It's a good idea choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.

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