Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go at their own pace, without you needing to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
It is simpler to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult however, as long as the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to mark out the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of 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, yet small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can mark where on the door the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Use a set square to check that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without worrying about them coming in with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home stable. However, installing an animal flap on your door could be an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the instructions are followed.
This is much easier to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using the standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if using an insulated or composite type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you have this information then you be required to mark the area using a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily in place.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is best to hire an expert to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at ready to smooth any edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
It is best to only remove the material required to create the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you're installing an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap inside. Look At This will be cheaper than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house when they're feeling like it. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that could be cut to fit one. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models including basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea to choose circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards glass.