Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is simpler to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and correct tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult, but so long as the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the flap. Repair My Windows And Doors will ensure that the flap is in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop the pet from straying too far either way.
Once you have the measurements you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line you've drawn in. Don't press the blade too hard because this will make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own a set square then use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to take off the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. However, putting a cat flap in your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the steps are followed.
This is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. First, you must measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have an ordinary uPVC door, however you may require more care if using a composite or other type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you know the opening will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust mask whenever using the jigsaw, since breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.
Cut a Hole
It isn't easy to fit an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless you have a lot of expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready to smooth any edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.
You should only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.
If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc 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 pre-made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they'd like. However, if you have an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that could be cut to fit one. Luckily, if you're happy 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 simply cutting a hole through the door though and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of a thin 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 damaging. This type of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of designs, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. However, regardless of what kind 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 make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home who could be hurt by glass shards.