Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain causing damage.
More Information and facts to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will require. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the house and exit without needing to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to start removing the remaining door material. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home stable. However, installing a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.
This is much simpler to do on wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage the doors since this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you may need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you've got the information you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut out the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have 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
It can be difficult to install an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to complete the work for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but also a security risk and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is important that you only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure 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 make it watertight.
If cat flap glass door installation near me installing a cat flap into an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. This will be cheaper than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and let them relax in the home whenever they like. If you've got a uPVC door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap, particularly in the absence of glass panes that could be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not as simple as cutting a hole through the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass shattering.