Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is simpler to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will require some knowledge and appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then complete the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain causing damage.
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to stop them from moving too far either way.
Once you have the measurements you can mark the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you'd like it to. If you have a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off 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 in the house with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, fitting an animal flap on your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before. This can lead many people to call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While cat flap installer is certainly an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
Although this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could end the warranty. First, you need to take measurements of the door to ensure it will 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 may require more care.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need locate a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you know this you'll need to mark out the area with a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to fit an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake could not only look ugly, but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly placed and runs flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
You should only remove the material needed to create the flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.
A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and in this case you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you're looking to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they like. If you've got an uPVC door, it might be difficult to install an animal flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install a cat flap. It's not a simple matter of cutting holes in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that the door is secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type door has a template you can use to make the hole.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models including basic push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. However, no matter what type of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea select circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.