Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is much easier to put a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will require some expertise and correct tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then complete the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X. However, some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure that you have enough space as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. If you own an already-cut square, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature steady. However, installing the cat flap to your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the steps are followed.
While this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you may have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place in the door that will be within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this, you will be required to mark the area using pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you create will fit 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 crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Be cat flap bifold doors to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Cut a Hole
It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to do the work for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly placed and runs in a straight line with the other components of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.
You should only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the the flap but removing more than this can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you're installing an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Fit cat flap bifold doors give your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they want to. If you've got an uPVC door, it may be difficult to install an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add a cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models including basic button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. No matter which type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.