Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, without you needing to let him in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
It is easier to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then complete the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
The first step is determine the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will allow you to select a flap that is large enough to allow your pet to go into the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill then you can place it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these because 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 properly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you can start removing the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the instructions are adhered to.
This is much simpler to do with wooden doors, but it is still possible using uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it will fit the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you might require more care.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area on the door that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you know this, you will need to mark out the area using a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless have experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional in to do the job for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.
The first thing to do is draw the location of the hole in the door using a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and that it runs flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out 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 essential to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage the door frame.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and in this case you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not touch the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.
If you want to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have an glass panel that is cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not a matter of slicing holes 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 an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. However, no matter what type of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
back door with cat flap fitted is a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. It's also a safer option to use as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that might break and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.