Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet come and go whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will need some skills and the correct tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat door into a front door could be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the right type and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to prevent 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 come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start cutting along the line that you've drawn in, but don't press the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Use repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the final result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home steady. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the directions are adhered to.
Although this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could end the warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you might need to be more careful.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you will need to find a spot near the door that will be within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you know this, you will need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask whenever using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.
It is best to only remove the material required to create the flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or panel which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be hard to install a cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own glass panels that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add the cat flap. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to make sure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This type door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is superior than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards glass.