Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will allow you to select a flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill, you can stick it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge then make sure you have clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw begin to cut along the line that you've drawn in. Don't press the blade too hard as this can cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the final result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps keep your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
It is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be simple enough for an ordinary uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if you have an alternative type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a spot near the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you know this then you need to mark out the area with a pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust could be hazardous to your health. Once you have 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 into place.
Cut a hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A shoddy job might not only look ugly, but also an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
The first thing you have to do is draw the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is placed and runs flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you'll need to use a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.
You should only remove the material needed to create the flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
cat flap fitting made of upvc may include a metal frame, or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can provide you with a new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to do this than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they want to. However, if you have an uPVC door, it might be difficult to install an animal flap, especially in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not a simple matter of cutting an opening in the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. Suggested Looking at of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. Whatever type of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It is a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children in your home that could be injured by glass shattering.