Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet come and go whenever they want, without you needing to let them in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
It is much easier to put a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will require some knowledge and appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut the door's area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure your pet's width. 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.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, 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, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this could cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the door material off.
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 a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. However, fitting a cat flap in your door could be an intimidating task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.
Although this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could cause damage to your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you may have to be more cautious.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place near the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you know this you'll need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily into place.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.
Read the Full Content need to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all other parts of the door. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you require when working with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
It is best to only remove the material needed to make the flap. It is necessary to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to do this instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they feel like it. However, if you own a uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap itself. You can purchase and install many different models, from basic button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if a drill is used on it. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have a child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.