Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it does require some skills and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap remains in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to enter the home 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 using an X, however some kits come with drawings that show where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom of it ensure you have clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Utilize a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home stable. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the steps are followed.
Although this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you should be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you might require more care.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you have this information then you be required to mark the area using an eraser and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless have experience with DIY, it's probably best to get an expert to complete the job for you. A botched job could not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is important that you only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap, if this is done, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you're installing a cat flap into a upvc door or double-glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. This is less expensive than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap . This is especially true when you don't have an glass panel which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can pick from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.