Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace without you having to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
It is easier to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll need some skills and the right tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice 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 protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the house and exit without needing to open the door each time.
If window with cat flap comes with an illustration of the location to drill, you can stick it on the door and then use a pencil 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.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting along the line that you have pencilled in, but don't press the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you'd like it to. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off 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 in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature inside your home steady. However, putting an animal flap on your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.
This is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. First, you must measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if you have an insulated or composite type of door since these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place near the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you are sure that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust could be hazardous to your health. After you've finished the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly located and is in a straight line with the other components of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready for any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.
You should only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you want to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They will provide you with a new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to get this done rather than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to 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 a uPVC front door, it can be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own an glass panel that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to fit an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally made up of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in bad weather.
It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. cat flap double glazing 's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards glass.