Fitting a Cat Flap in a upvc door and side panel Door Panel

Adding a cat flap to an existing upvc door panel or double glazing sealed unit is a simple job. However, it could keep you awake at night if you do it wrong!

It is important to read the instructions that come in the cat flap before you begin. Make sure your shape (square or circle) is accurately pencilled in on the door panel.

How Do I

A cat flap allows your pet to leave and enter the house whenever they want and you don't have to watch them or worry about them escaping through a window. It also prevents cold air from entering your home during the winter months and lets hot air escape during summer, helping you lower your energy costs.

Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is feasible with careful planning and preparation. It is best to install the flap as the door is being constructed to ensure it's part of the design and construction process. However, if you want to fit the flap into an existing panel, there are some steps you must follow.

The first step is to measure the width and height of the area you wish to fit the flap. This will help you determine the size of the flap you will need to purchase. Check to see if your cat can move through the flap in both ways. It's crucial not to force them into doing anything they don't want to do.

Next you need to mark out the shape of the hole with a pencil on the surface of the door panel. After you have marked out the hole using pencil, you can cut it out with the jigsaw equipped with a fine blade designed for upvc or steel. Test the action of the flap. Push it in both directions and make sure it closes and opens easily.

Installing a security kit is recommended when the cat flap is to be fitted to an Upvc door that is fitted with a secure lock. This will prevent burglars from reaching through the cat flap and then opening the door to gain access to your home. Some flaps are locked with magnets that are affixed to the collar of the cat. However this method depends on your cat wearing a collar that is appropriate for the cat.

Measure

Cat flaps can provide pet owners with peace of mind that their animals are safe in the house and will only leave and enter whenever they wish to. They also help reduce costs for energy by preventing cold and hot air from entering the home. Installing a cat-flap on an upvc panel is simple, but there are some aspects to think about to get the best results.

It is best to speak with an expert before installing a cat flap onto your upvc panel. This will ensure that the upvc panel is strong enough to hold the weight of a cat flap and that the cat flap is correctly placed within the upvc panel.

After you have confirmed that the door you have chosen to use is suitable for cat flap installation The next step is to measure the area where you'd like to put the flap. This is important as it will allow you to purchase a cat flap large enough to accommodate your pet.

Another aspect toive in keeping out pets and other pests that aren't welcome.

When you cut the hole for an animal flap, be cautious. Certain uPVC doors and windows have raised decorative elements that must be carefully removed to ensure that the glass is not damaged. It is possible to seal around the cut area to prevent moisture and drafts from getting in.

To cut the hole in your uPVC door panel, you'll need the jigsaw as well as a fine blade. Make sure the blade is marked for use with uPVC or metal, and be cautious not to cut too deep or you could damage the door frame. Mark the line you wish to cut in pencil and then use a spirit-level to make sure it is level with the surface.

You can also add silicone sealant on the cut edge to stop moisture and drafts. This will also help to safeguard your uPVC door from damage resulting from the vibrating jigsaw.

Fit

Installing a cat flap on your Upvc panel door will allow you to let your cat in and out of the house. It also deters unwanted visitors like rodents and other pests. If you're looking for additional security, you can even get a microchip activated cat flap to prevent unwanted entry from entering your home.

Anyone with basic DIY skills should be able to install a cat flap in the form of a Upvc panel. If you are replacing upvc door panel a pane or door, it can be easier to install a cat flap if the panel or double-glazed unit already has a hole made for one.

This will save you a lot of time and effort as it will eliminate the need to cut a hole in the door. For a pet flap a solid-core upvc panel is superior to the polystyrene panels that do not offer the same level of security.

You might not be able to put the flap at the height you want in the event that your upvc panel or door is decorated with decorative features. You should aim to install it at the highest level on your door that it is possible to do so and your cat won't be able to reach this point through the door.

It's a good idea to use decorators caulk for sealing the joint once the cat flap is installed. This will prevent moisture from entering the wood and rotting it. It is a good idea when you have an exterior or a door made of wood with decorative elements, to paint the wood sections that are not painted to stop them drying out and bending.

Once you have everything in place, test the flap. This can be done by pushing your finger across the flap to see whether it shuts in both directions. You can also try tempting your cat to eat through the flap to see if it is happy to use it.