Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
It is simpler to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.
Take a look at the Door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
The first step is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door each time, yet small enough to keep them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X. However, some kits come with drawings that show where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Set a square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the rest of the door material. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. However, fitting an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the steps are followed.
While this is far simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors, as this can end the warranty. First, you must measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you might require more care.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so you know the hole will be suitable 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 ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once replacement upvc door panels with cat flap 've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
It isn't easy to put a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to do the job for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in 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 with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is located and is flush with all the other components of the door. It is important to have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is important that you only remove the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. replacement upvc door panel with cat flap is essential to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or panel which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. If you've got a uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add the cat flap. It's not a simple matter of cutting an opening in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that the door is secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of designs, from simple push-button flaps to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. 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.
It's a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who could be hurt by glass shattering.