Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please without having to let him in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat door in a front door can be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the guidelines you can make it less difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill then you can place it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure that you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the rest of the door material. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go out and in without worrying about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. However, fitting an animal flap on your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before, leading many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the directions are adhered to.
While this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you must be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you might 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 underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to locate a place on the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information you'll be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level to be certain 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. You will need a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust can be dangerous 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 fitted into place.
Cut a Hole
The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to do the work for you. A botched job may not only look ugly, but it could also be an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
You should only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. upvc door panel with cat flap is important to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you want to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult an expert. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to install the flap into an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they want to. If you've got an uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not a simple matter of cutting a hole into the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin joined to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically includes a template which you can use as a guide to cut the hole into your door.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to select a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home who could be hurt by glass shattering.