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 prevent your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the right tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but if you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and leave without having to open the door each time.
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 a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough space as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to check that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the rest of the door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle. When 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 out and in without worrying about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. However, fitting the cat flap to your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, leading many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the instructions are followed.
This is much easier to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you have this information, you will need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to make the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. 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 finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily into place.
Make a hole
It can be a challenge to put the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to get in 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 that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.
After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
It is best to only remove the material required to make the cat flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install the cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own glass panels which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally composed of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can choose from a variety of designs, from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. No matter which type of [1] cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in the rain.
It's a good idea to choose circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.