Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet move around as they please without you needing to let him in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
It is easier to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will need some skills and the appropriate tools.
Take a look at the Door
Fitting a cat door in a front door can be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays 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 an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door every time, but it is also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far either way.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting along the line you penciled in. Don't push the blade too hard because this can cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. However, putting the cat flap to your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
This is much easier to do on doors made of wood, however it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will be 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 a different type of door, you may need to be more careful.
Next, cat flap installers will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you know the opening will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Cut a Hole
The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is recommended to hire an expert to do the job for you. A mistake could not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark the position of the hole in the door with 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. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety gear for working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
You should only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A upvc door may include a metal frame, or a panel inside that will 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 does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the gap and render it watertight.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult an expert. 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 trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own a glass panel that can be cut. If you're able to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to fit an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as simple as just making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need first to make sure it's safe.
A composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children living at home who could be injured by glass shards.