Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult, but as long as the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the guidelines you can make it less difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area 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 you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X, however some kits include drawings that show where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line that you have pencilled in. Don't press the blade too hard, as this can cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. If you own an already-cut square, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
It is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However, cat flap installers must be careful not to harm the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be simple enough for an ordinary uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if using an alternative kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you know this you'll be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to do the work for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but also an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you need to work with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
It is crucial to only remove the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into the frame of a double glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This is less expensive than fitting the flap into an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want, allowing them to relax in the house when they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own an glass panel that can be cut. If you're able to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to add an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models, from basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in the rain.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking if a drill is used on it. It's also a much safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that might be injured by glass shattering.