Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
It is much easier to put the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and right 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 shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing damage.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X. However, some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge then make sure you have clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Set a square to make sure you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way 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 remaining 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 stable. However, putting an animal flap on your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the instructions are adhered to.
It is much easier to do on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you may need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information you'll need to mark out the area using a pencil and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.
Cut a hole
It isn't easy to fit the cat flap onto a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly, but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you have to do is draw the location of the hole in the door using a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you need to work with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is best to only remove the material required to create the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the 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 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 done it is crucial to fill in the gap and render it watertight.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want and let them relax in the house when they'd like. However, if cat flap fitters own an uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install a cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button units 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 is able to use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.
It is a good idea to choose a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who could be hurt by shards of glass.