Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet come and go at their own pace without having to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to prevent them from going too far either way.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark where on the door the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include drawings that show where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it ensure that you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to check that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you own a set square then use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the remaining 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 draughts, and keeps your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the directions are adhered to.
This is much simpler to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you might need to take more care if you have an insulated or composite type of door since these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information, you will be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. After cat flap cost cut the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Cut a Hole
It isn't easy to fit a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless have experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional to do the job for you. A botched job could not only be ugly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. It is important to have some sandpaper on the ready for any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
You should only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is the case, it is essential to fill in the gap and render it watertight.
If you're planning to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like and let them relax at home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own glass panels that is cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not a simple matter of cutting a hole into the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure that it is safe.
A composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually includes a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.
Once Full Review 've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without getting trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if there are children or elderly people in your home who might be injured by glass fragments.