Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please without you needing to let him in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it does require some skills and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat flap on 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 instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish off the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and leave without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X. However, some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure that you have enough clearance from these to keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Utilize a set square to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. However, installing a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the instructions are followed.
While back door with cat flap fitted is far easier to do when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you might need to take more care if using an alternative kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've finished the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Make a hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get a professional to do the job for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all the other parts of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is important that you only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.
If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.
If glass cat flap installation near me planning to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and let them relax at home whenever they want to. However, if you have an uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually includes a template that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can choose from a variety of options, 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 is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck in the rain.
It's a good idea choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards glass.