Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace without you needing to let him in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap is in place and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door every time, yet small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough space as this will 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 that you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material properly 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 cat flap cover for winter is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without worrying about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, fitting a cat flap in your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the directions are followed.
While this is far easier to do with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you should be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. First, you must measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult for a standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if using an insulated or composite type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you will need to locate a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this, you will have to draw the area using an eraser and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily into place.
Make a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to do the job for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but also an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly located and is in a straight line with the other components of the door. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth any edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.
It is crucial to only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you are fitting the cat flap onto the frame of a double-glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It is cheaper to do this than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want and let them relax in the home whenever they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have a glass panel that is cut. If you're able to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to add an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as easy as making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.
Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a range of options, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
It is a good idea to choose circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.