Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet move around at their own pace without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating in the house.
It is much easier to put a cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will require some expertise and right tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but if you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will show how to trace the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then complete the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and also protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed. usually, this is done using 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 it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom of it ensure that you have clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.
Although this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will end your warranty. First, you must measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough when you have a standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if using an insulated or composite type of door as these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a spot in the door where this measurement is within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, since breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've finished the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a hole
It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have plenty of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A botched job may not only look ugly, but also an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make cat flap fitters near me to have sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
It is essential to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A upvc door may include a metal frame, or panel within it 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 wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you are fitting a cat flap into a upvc door or double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they want to. However, if you own a uPVC door it can be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you pick, 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 select a circular fitting rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer option as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home that might be injured by glass fragments.