Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come as they please without needing to let him in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is much easier than in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the right tools.
Take a look at the Door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but if you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing how to trace the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then complete the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will require. This will enable you to choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.
If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, then put it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure that you have enough clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line you penciled in, don't try to press the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. If you have an already-cut square, use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove 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 coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature in check. However, fitting the cat flap to your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, leading many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the directions are adhered to.
While upvc door panel with cat flap fitted is far easier to do when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you must be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can end the 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 isn't too difficult if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if using an insulated or composite kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area on the door that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you have this information you'll have to draw the area using a pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've finished the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily in place.
Cut a hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is recommended to hire an expert to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be ugly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
You should only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you are fitting a cat flap into a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. This will be cheaper than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own an glass panel that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door usually has a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a wide range of options, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to select circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.