How can I change my UPVC door panel?

Hello like above I have a very old cat flap in my door bottom section of upvc door and need to replace it but all newer ones are a lot smaller so I need to replace my panel first , is this something I could do my self ? Do the beads need to be taken out from both sides if the door ? Kind regards allison

Allison brookes
July 2013

We have mahogany front door which gets the heat of the sun mid afternoon and it is beginning to crack from the corners of the panel--please advise

rodger coupar
May 2012

Hello EJI,
It is basically easier to fit a new catflap in the upvc panel. (and cheaper) Rather than in glass. (Have fitted many). The catflaps can be bought Reasonably cheap (under £20). I can come + fit for you if u want, let me know. (very competitive) Regards. G-Tec

G-TEC HANDYMAN
September 2010

you can take your measurements of the panel to most local double glazing companies and they can cut one for you.. you then have to simply remove the beading and replace it all.

EJI
September 2010

these are all very old questions, but now in aug 2010 i have the same problem. rented accomodation with double glazing and PVC door with glass top and panel bottom.

how to I find someone to put in a cat flap and what is the best kind for this type of door - I'm on a pension with limited funds. can i get the flap installed without taking out the panel? If so, where do I buy a replacement panel when I move as landlord has refused to allow me to have cat flap and i will have to replace?
thanks Penny

penny wright
August 2010

I have a UPVC door with two panels. The bottom one has a cat flap in it. I have the old panel that I want to put back. How do I get the old panel out and the new panel in?

April
March 2010

Just replaced mine (guess what - cat flap in rented accommodation!). The Window Store will cut you a piece of UPVC to size for approx £20-30.

Steve M
March 2010

Just a big thank you to Mr G Lane above, his advice was perfect and saved me from a night guarding an unsecure door! cheers.

c lea
November 2009

hi,is your door panel 28 mml cos I need 1 with a cat flap in it ?are you willing to sell

k.barlow
June 2009

around the outside are 4 angled beads. use a chisel to lever them of. remember which one went where. the panel should just pull out. put the old one back in. and put back the beads which clip in place. i need a panel with a cat flap any chance of having ur old one??????????

Ryan
May 2009

i have a upvc back door with no glass in i wish to replace it with something to give me more light i.e. half glass how do i do it and where do i get it from and also approx cost or is it cheaper to get a new back door-thanks in anticipation

julie knowles
March 2009

does the thickness of the replacement panel need to be the same as the one that is being replaced

p gargett
January 2009

This is very helpful as I am looking at possibly trying to put a cat flap into the white upvc panel in the door. However it is in a rented property and the landlord has agreed so long as I can return the door panel to one without the cat flap.

Do you know where I might be able to buy (UK) a spare / 2nd plain white upvc door panel (low cost, of course) so I could follow your instructions above on replacing them? Also any advice on fitting / cutting the upvc panel for the cat flap greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Simon

Simon
June 2008

Looking at the panel to be removed you will see a moulded bead that holds the panel in ( note how the bead is sitting flush in the door), these are on the edges all round the panel. Using a flat edge (i use a clean paint scraper) insert the scraper into the OUTSIDE edge of the bead where it touches the door frame a gap should appear and the blade will seem to go into the door. You will need some force to insert the blade between the bead and door (a lever action some times helps from side to side). Once started push the scraper handle flat to the door frame and run the blade up and down the bead this should release the bead if the bead does not pop out simply bend it from the middle and it will release, once out WRITE ON THE BEAD WHERE IT CAME OUT FROM ie TOP ,LEFT ect the beads must be returned to the correct position. With all the beads out the panel will be held in with coloured glazing packers make a note where they are and then the panel will come out with a gentle push from the other side.
OK SO FAR !!!! GOOD
All that remains to do is reverse the process
Put the new panel in and using the coloured glazing packers wedge the panel back in square and make sure that you have the panel right back against the rubber seals on the out side of the door (it will leak if you dont). Ensure that you have the correct bead (start with the shortest 2 beads) insert a corner of the bead and push it right into the corner of the door using a bending action at the middle of the bead insert the other end of the bead into the other door corner and push the middle of the bead into the door, using a plastic or rubber hammer tap the bead into the door so that its flush all the way along the bead edge and the door (it should go in as it was before you started) all you have to do now is repeat so that all the beads are back to there original places.

TROUBLES
If you are having trouble getting the beads out its just taking your time and persevering until the gap opens for the blade to go in.
You may find the beads slip out of the corners when you are putting them back in again take your time and dont forget to bend the bead to get the other end in
Trouble getting the bead back hammered in, a sharp strike to the rounded corner should get it back in DO NOT USE AN ORDINARY HAMMER IT WILL PROBERLY CRACK THE BEADS (THEY ARE HOLLOW)
If the bead doesnt look or sit properly just remove it and start again

I hope that this is ok and it all works out for you it certainly works for me and i should know as i have worked for Anglian for about 4 years.
good luck mate
Gerald

Mr G Lane
March 2008