Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.
It is simpler to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will need some skills and the correct tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap in the front door is difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then finish the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the home and exit without having to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, however some kits include 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 moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure that you have clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, but don't press the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the directions are adhered to.
This is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is 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 is to measure the door, ensuring that it will accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in cat flap glass door installation near me of made of composite or another kind of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you know the hole will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's now 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 cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.
Cut a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional in to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly, but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when the cat is inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door with pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.
You should only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.
If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this than trying to fix the flap to an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install a cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own a glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as cutting a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need first to make sure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally composed of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in the door.
Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit various models including basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.