Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, without you having to let them in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
It is simpler to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will require some expertise and correct tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
The first step 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 allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop the pet from straying too far either way.
If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill then you can stick it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure that you have enough clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting according to the lines you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard as this can make it cut faster than you want it to. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home stable. However, fitting a cat flap in your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, leading many to hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
While this is much simpler with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could end your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it will fit the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you have the information you'll need to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust mask whenever using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust could be hazardous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a hole
It can be difficult to fit an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark the location of the hole in the door using a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly placed and runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at ready for any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.
It is essential to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than this can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc may contain a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not designed for this purpose.
Place Source let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own a glass panel which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add a cat flap. It's not a simple matter of drilling a hole into the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models including basic push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flap you pick, it's vital that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It is a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have a child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards glass.