Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around at their own pace, without you having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it does require some skills and the proper tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door can be difficult however, so long as the cat flap is 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, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap remains in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first step is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits include drawings that show where to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Then put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard as this can cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, installing a cat flap in your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
While this is far easier to do with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Cut a Hole
It can be difficult to install an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is recommended to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake could not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you require when working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.
It is crucial to only cut away the material required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than that could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap, if this is done it is important to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you want to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. Repair My Windows And Doors is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have a glass panel that can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add a cat flap. It's not as simple as cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally made up of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door comes with a template that 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 variety of designs, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and only let your pet in. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have a child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.