Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet move around whenever they want, without you needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will enable you to choose a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door each time.
If your kit comes with a drawing showing where to drill, you can place it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Utilize a set square to check that you're cutting properly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. If you have an already-cut square, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, installing a cat flap in your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the directions are adhered to.
cat flap fitting is much simpler to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may have to be more cautious.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you will need to locate a place near the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information, you will need to mark out the area using pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is essential to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily into place.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. cat flaps will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
You should only remove the material required to create the flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.
If you are fitting an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This will be less expensive than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own glass panels that is cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add a cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole through the door though and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally composed of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This kind door has a template you can use to make the hole.
Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap itself. You can choose from a range of designs, from simple push-button flaps to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap without becoming trapped in the 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 make the glass more susceptible to cracking if a drill is used on it. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have a child or elderly person in your home who may be hurt by shards of glass.