Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please 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.
Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it does require some skills and the appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap is in place and also protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will let you select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the house and exit without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it ensure that you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut according to the lines you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
This is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it can fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a spot near the door that will be within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you know this then you have to draw the area using a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily into place.
Cut a Hole
It isn't easy to install the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the job for you. A botched job may not just be 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 inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly placed and runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear look at these guys for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own a glass panel that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as cutting a hole through the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to make sure it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an extremely thin plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.
It is a good idea to select circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.