Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut out the door's area. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
The first step is determine the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be positioned, 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 the door. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge then make sure you have enough space because this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to make sure you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. If you own a set square then use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
While this is far simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you should be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it will fit 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 might require more care.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. 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. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Make a hole
It can be a challenge to put an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional to do the task for you. upvc door panel with cat flap fitted might not only look ugly, but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs parallel to other parts of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
You should only remove the material that is required to make the flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than that could cause issues and 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 case, you will need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to have this done than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have a glass panel that can be cut. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to install the cat flap to the doors. It's not just a matter of cutting an opening in the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually composed of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. However, no matter what type of cat flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.
It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.