Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
It is easier to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll need some skills and the correct tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door could be difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then complete the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind causing damage.
The first step is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to enter the house and leave without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X. However, cat flap install come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Then put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut faster than you'd like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the remaining 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 unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature in your home steady. However, fitting a cat flap in your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the instructions are followed.
While this is far simpler 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 since this could invalidate the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you may need to be more careful.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you have the information you'll need to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to fit a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is crucial to only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door.
A upvc door may include a metal frame, or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.
If you're planning to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to install a cat flap, especially in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to add an animal flap onto these doors. It's not a matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models including basic push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children in your home that could be hurt by glass fragments.