Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. More Help can help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.
Take a look at the Door
Installing a cat door into a front door can be difficult however, so long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to keep them from going 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 using 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 sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the directions are followed.
Although this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you must be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using a standard uPVC door, but you might need to take more care if using an insulated or composite type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you have the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Cut a hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A shoddy job might not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs parallel to other parts of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on hand to smooth any edges.
Wear the safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
You should only remove the material that is required to create the flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than that could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the flap.
If you are fitting the cat flap onto the frame of a double-glazed window with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. If you've got a uPVC door, it might be difficult to install an animal flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you're able to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to add an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as simple as simply making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to make sure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin joined to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door usually includes a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole into your door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in the rain.
It is a good idea to select a circular fitting rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be hurt by shards of glass.