Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet move around whenever they want, without you needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the appropriate tools.
Measure 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, take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door's area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will enable you to select a flap that is large enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door each time.
If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill, then place it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Use a set square to check that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature stable. However, fitting a cat flap in your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the steps are adhered to.
It is much easier 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 invalidate your guarantee. First, you need to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have the standard uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if you have an insulated or composite type of door since these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a place on the door that will be within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area with pencil and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Cut a Hole
It can be difficult to put an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the job for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly, but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready for any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you require when working with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
It is crucial to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than that can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you're installing a cat flap into the frame of a double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This is less expensive than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind inside the house when they feel like it. However, if you have a uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to install a cat flap to these doors. It's not a matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that it is safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically composed of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in the rain.
Read the Full Article 's a good idea choose a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home that could be hurt by glass shards.