Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace without having to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.
Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, but it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut the door 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 rain and wind which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to keep them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line that you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard as this can make it cut faster than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.
Although this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you must be careful not to scratch the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to locate a place on 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 need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will 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 proficient in DIY, it's best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is located and is in a straight line with the other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is essential to only cut away the material needed to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems or damage the doors frame.
A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done it is essential to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is cheaper to have this done than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you've got a uPVC door it can be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're willing to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to install an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to do first to make sure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically has a template which you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.
After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. from this source which type of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children living at home who could be injured by glass fragments.