Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet move around as they please, without you having to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.
It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll need some skills and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will let you select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and exit without needing to open the door each time.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill then you can place it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw begin to cut along the line that you have pencilled in, but don't press the blade too hard, as this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature of 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. This can lead many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. cat flap installers is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the instructions are adhered to.
While this is far simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you should be cautious not to damage the doors since this could end the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it can fit the new cat flap. This should be easy enough for the standard uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if using an alternative type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have this information, you will need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Cut a Hole
It isn't easy to fit the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to do the work 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 inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and aligns with the rest of the door. It is important to have some sandpaper on the ready for any rough edges.
After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.
If you are fitting a cat flap into a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they feel like it. However, if you own a uPVC door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut for one. If you're able to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to add a cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door, however there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually has a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole into your door.
Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models, from basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea select circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.