Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please, without you having to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
Installing cat flap fitting on a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, but it does require some skills and the right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X, however some kits include drawings that show 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 at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Set a square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you own a set square then use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.
Draw cat flap fitters is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the steps are followed.
Although this is much simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult when you have the standard uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if using an alternative type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you will need to locate a place near the door where this measurement will fall within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've got the information, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to put an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with the power tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is important that you only cut away the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or 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 doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you're installing an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This will be less expensive than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want and let them relax in the home whenever they'd like. If you've got an uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add a cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically composed of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically has a template which you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models including basic push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in bad weather.
It's a good idea choose circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.