Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
It is simpler to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will need some skills and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the rest of the door material. If you have an already-cut square, make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are happy with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature stable. However, fitting the cat flap to your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the directions are adhered to.
While this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could invalidate your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if you have a composite or other kind of door, as they are 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 height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you know this then you be required to mark the area with pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to install a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is inside.
The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs parallel to 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 with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
You should only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In cat flap bifold doors 'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.
If you are fitting a cat flap into the frame of a double glazed windows with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. This is less expensive than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house when they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own an glass panel which can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to add a cat flap to these doors. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole through the door, however there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without getting 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 if drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that might break and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home that could be injured by glass fragments.