Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, without you having to let him in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is the right type and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, use the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then finish 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 which can cause damage.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to stop them from going too far either way.
Once you have the measurements you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you have an already-cut square, 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 happy with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. However, fitting a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, leading many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.
It is much easier to do on wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. First, cat flap fitting near me need to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, however you may need to take extra care if you are using an insulated or composite type of door since these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
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'll need to find a place in the door where this measurement will fall within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Cut a hole
Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be ugly and unattractive, but could also be security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you'll need to use the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
It is important that you only cut away the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you are fitting an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. It will be much cheaper to do this than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they like. If you've got a uPVC door it can be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to fit an animal flap onto the doors. It's not a simple matter of slicing a hole into the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A composite door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin joined to a soft insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type door has a template you can use to make the hole.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models, from basic push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a safer option to use as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.