Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.
It is simpler to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will need some skills and the right 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 choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. 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 each time, but it is also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, however some kits include drawings that show where 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, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you own an already-cut square, use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.
This is much easier to do on doors made of wood, however it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once click over here got the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is important that you take your time in order 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 is dangerous for your health. After you've finished the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily.
Cut a hole
It isn't easy to fit a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.
It is best to only remove the material needed to create the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems and even harm the frame of the door.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you are fitting a cat flap into the frame of a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. This will be less expensive than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they want to. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly if you don't own glass panes that could be cut for one. If Continue Reading are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically includes a template that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap itself. You can pick from a range of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home who might be injured by glass shards.