Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet come and go at their own pace without you having to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
It is easier to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll require some knowledge and appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult, but so long as the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then complete the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will let you select a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to go into the house and leave without having to open the door each time.
If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill, then stick it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge ensure that you have enough clearance from these to keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line that you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, fitting an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
It is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need locate a place on the door that will be within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.
Cut 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 skilled in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to do the job for you. cat flaps for french doors might not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is essential to only cut away the material required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done it is important to fill in the gap and render it watertight.
If you are fitting a cat flap into the frame of a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap inside. This will be cheaper than fitting the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they'd like. If you've got a uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap, particularly if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you're able to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to fit the cat flap to these doors. It's not a matter of cutting holes in the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure that it is safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door has a template can be used to cut the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and only let your pet in. However, no matter what type of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is better 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 drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who might be injured by glass shattering.