Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet come and go whenever they want without you needing to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
It is simpler to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some expertise and right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X, but some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom of it ensure that you have enough clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Set a square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you own a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. However, installing the cat flap to your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the steps are followed.
Although this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you must be cautious not to damage the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough for a standard uPVC door, however you might need to take extra care if you are using an insulated or composite type of door as these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
cat flap installer Repair My Windows And Doors is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance 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 comfortably pass through. Once you know this, you will have to draw the area with a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw 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 while using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to install a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get a professional to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.
The first thing to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly located and is flush with all the other parts of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on hand to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.
You should only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than this could cause issues and damage the doors frame.
A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you're planning to install an animal flap to a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap inside. It is cheaper to have this done than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they like. However, if you own an uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, particularly 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 is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not a matter of cutting holes in the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door has a template you can use to make the hole.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of options, from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. However, no matter what type of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home that could be hurt by glass shards.