Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then complete the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door each time, yet small enough to keep them from going too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark where on the door the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, but some kits come with drawings that show 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 a sill or moulding along the bottom edge ensure you have enough space as this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Utilize a set square to make sure you're cutting properly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the rest of the door material. If you own a set square then make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are happy 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 a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
This is much easier to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you must measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may need to be more careful.
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'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 a pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.
After you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask whenever using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.
Cut a Hole
It isn't easy to put a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. back door with cat flap fitted might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional to do the task for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but it could also be an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs flush with all the other components of the door. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you require when working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.
It is essential to only remove the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the door frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames, 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 designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they'd like. However, if you have an uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that could be cut to fit one. If you're able to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of cutting an opening in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that the door is safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally composed of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to select circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have child or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.