Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
It is easier to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some knowledge and right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat door into a front door can be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door every time, but also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can mark out where on the door the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X. However, 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 sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure that you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Set a square to make sure you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can begin removing the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, installing the cat flap to your door might seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, leading many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the instructions are followed.
This is much easier to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. First, you need to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you may require extra care if you are using an alternative type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, since breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Cut a Hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have an expert to complete the job for you. A botched job could not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.
It is important that you only remove the material required to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap , if this is the case, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you're looking to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to have this done than to attempt to fix the flap to an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they like. If you've got a uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not just a matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure it's safe.
A composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in your door.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can pick from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. However, no matter what type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that could be hurt by glass shards.