Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then complete the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to prevent them from moving 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 drawings that show the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure that you have enough space because this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Utilize a set square to make sure you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the remaining door material. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to check that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw supplemental resources lets you to let your pet in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. However, installing a cat flap in your door could be an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
While this is far simpler 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 invalidate your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, but you might need to take more care if using an alternative kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a spot on the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have the information you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you know the opening will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to install an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the job for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but also an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you have to do is draw the location of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs parallel to other parts of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on ready for any rough edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you're installing the cat flap onto a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It is cheaper to have this done than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like, allowing them to relax at home whenever they'd like. However, if you have a uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to fit one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea select a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.