Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

cat flap installers let your cat go inside and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much easier than in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat door into a front door can be difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain causing damage.
The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to stop them from moving too far either way.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits include a drawing that shows the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Set a square to check that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to begin to remove the remaining door material. If you have a set square then use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are followed.
It is much easier to do on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. 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, if your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may need to be more careful.
The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place on the door that will be within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you know this then you be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is important that you take your time 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 when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.
Make a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's best to employ an expert to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is located and is in a straight line with the other components of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is essential to only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is the case, it is essential to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames, you'll need to consult an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like and let them relax in the home whenever they want to. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to fit one. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to make sure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can pick from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting caught 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 make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a safer option to use as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.