Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet come and go whenever they want, without you needing to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
It is simpler to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut the door area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap is in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to enter the house and exit without needing 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 come with drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If fitting a cat flap in a upvc door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Set a square to make sure you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you have a set square then use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
It is much easier to do on doors made of wood, however it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors since this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough for a standard uPVC door, however you may require extra care if you are using a composite or other type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you know this then you need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you create will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily into place.
Cut a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional in to do the job for you. A botched job could not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is 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. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is essential to only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap, but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.
If you want to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they'd like. However, if you have a uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut for one. If you're able to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to add a cat flap to these doors. It's not a simple matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This type door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a variety of designs, from simple push-button flaps to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is superior 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 drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.