Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the house.
Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, but it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then complete the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the house and leave without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine where on the door the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it ensure you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Set a square to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the rest of the door material. If you own a set square then make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, installing an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, leading many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the instructions are followed.
This is much easier to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you must measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you will need to find a spot in the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once back door with cat flap fitted RepairMyWindowsAndDoors know this then you need to mark out the area with pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a hole
It isn't easy to put the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not experienced in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing you have to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.
It is important that you only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than that can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap.
If you're installing a cat flap into a upvc door or double-glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a professional who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be cheaper than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house when they're feeling like it. However, if you own an uPVC door, it might be difficult to install an animal flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to do first to make sure it's secure.
A composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This kind door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models including basic push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you select it's essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in the rain.
It's a good idea choose a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if a drill is used on it. It's also a safer option to use as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children living at home who could be hurt by glass shattering.