Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
It is much easier to put a cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will require some expertise and right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and shields the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter the home and exit without having to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure that you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Set a square to make sure you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can start removing the rest of the door material. If you have a set square then use it to check that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. However, putting the cat flap to your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
While this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you should be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. First, you need to take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough for an ordinary uPVC door, however you may need to take extra care if you are using a composite or other kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so that you know the hole will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Cut a hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake could not only look ugly but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when it is inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand for any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.
You should only remove the material required to fit the flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than that could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap, and in this case you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap. If this is the case, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you are fitting a cat flap into an upvc door or a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is cheaper to have this done than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have a glass panel that can be cut. If you're able to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not a simple matter of cutting holes in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically has a template which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in bad weather.
It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people at home who could be injured by glass fragments.