Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
It is much easier to put the cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and appropriate tools.
Take cat flap double glazing of the door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but if you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you will require. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements you can mark out where on the door the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows 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 moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Utilize a set square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to begin removing the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep 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 joiner or carpenter to do the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the directions are followed.
While this is much simpler to accomplish with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors as this will invalidate the warranty. First, you need to take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you might require more care.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you have this information, you will be required to mark the area using pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily in place.
Make a hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have a lot of experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have an expert to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. It is important to have some sandpaper on ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety gear for working with the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.
It is best to only remove the material needed to fit the flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you have an uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not a matter of drilling a hole into the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home who could be injured by glass shattering.