Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, without you needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will need some skills and the appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then finish off the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage.
The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you have pencilled in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature in your home stable. However, fitting a cat flap in your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.
While this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a place near the door that will be within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll need to mark the area 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 time to make the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask at all times when using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door using an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs parallel to other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.
You should only remove the material needed to fit the flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or panel which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult an expert. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they'd like. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not a matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally made up of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.
After you have carved out the opening 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. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
It is a good idea to opt for a circular fitting rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. upvc door panel with cat flap fitted is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.