Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace without needing to let them in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the appropriate 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 instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will show you how to mark out the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then finish the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and exit without having to open the door every time.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill, you can place it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure you have clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line that you penciled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this can make it cut faster than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. window cat flap of a cat flap your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the instructions are adhered to.
While this is far simpler with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might have to be more cautious.
Next, you will need 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 locate a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've got the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will be suitable for 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 to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. window with cat flap could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw could be hazardous 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
It isn't easy to install an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you're not experienced in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is located and is parallel to the other components of the door. It is important to have some sandpaper on ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you'll need to use an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is important that you only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap, if this is done, it is important to fill in the gap and render it watertight.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want and let them relax in the house when they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have an glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not a simple matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that the door is safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically includes a template which you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck in bad weather.
It's a good idea choose circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. cat flap double glazing 's also a much safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards of glass.