Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.
Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is much easier than in a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to mark out the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will allow you to 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.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, but some kits come with drawings that show where 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 moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure that you have enough space because this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line you've drawn in, don't try to press the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. If you have an already-cut square, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home steady. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
While this is far simpler with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you must be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place in the door where this measurement is within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have this information you'll have to draw the area using a pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw 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-proof mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. After hop over to here have finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
It isn't easy to put the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to do the work for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly but also pose security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs parallel to the other parts of the door. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth any edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
You should only remove the material needed to make the flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the flap.
If you're installing an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed windows with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have an glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically has a template which 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 is time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flap you pick, it's vital that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective 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 drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are children or elderly people in your home that could be hurt by glass shattering.