Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is much easier than in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door every time, but also small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom of it then make sure you have enough space to keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut along the line you penciled in. Don't push the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature steady. However, putting an animal flap on your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.
While this is much simpler with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have a standard uPVC door, however you may need to take extra care if you are using an alternative type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Make a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to complete the work for you. A botched job could not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly placed and runs flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure to 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 the appropriate safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is necessary to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the door frame.
A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you want to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. If you've got an uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install a cat flap. It's not just a matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up 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 type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can choose from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button units to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is superior than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children living in your home who could be hurt by glass fragments.