Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is easier to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will need some skills and the correct tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to go into the home and exit without needing to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits come with drawings that show where to drill. If you have one, then attach 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.
Put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start cutting along the line you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. If you have a set square then make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without worrying about them coming in with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature in check. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the instructions are followed.
While this is far simpler with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. First, you need to take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you may require more care.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you've got the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will require the 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 it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the work for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.
You should only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not 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 planning to install the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to install an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut for one. If you are 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 cutting a hole into the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically made up of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door has a template can be used to cut the hole.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit various models, from basic push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
cat flap fitters near me 's a good idea select circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a much safer option as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or your family. This is especially important if there are children or elderly people in your home that might be injured by glass shards.