Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the home.
It is easier to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will need some skills and the correct tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge but if you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure your pet's width. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is big enough for 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, then stick it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Use a set square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home steady. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
While this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can end your warranty. First, you need to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite or a different type 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 lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a place near the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've got the information, you'll have to mark the area with 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 make the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask at all times when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust could be hazardous to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily in place.
Make a hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get an expert to complete the task for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. Source will ensure it is correctly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is best to only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult a specialist. cat flap installation cost can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and let them relax in the home whenever they'd like. However, if you own a uPVC door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to do first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally composed of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically includes a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole into your door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models, from basic push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea select circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. 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 your family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who could be injured by glass shattering.