Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back as they please without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it does require some skills and the right tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will help you draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop them from moving too far either way.
Once you have the measurements you can mark where on the door the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however 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 sill or moulding on the bottom edge then make sure you have enough space to ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Set a square to make sure you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you have a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that 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 allows you to let your pet in and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the steps are adhered to.
While this is far simpler with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you must be careful not to scratch the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you might require more care.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a spot near the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you know this then you be required to mark the area with pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Make a hole
It isn't easy to fit a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the job for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
Mark the hole position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with the power tool. If cat flap installers repairmywindowsanddoors are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc could have a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you're installing an animal flap to an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap inside. This will be less expensive than fitting the flap into an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have glass panels which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not a simple matter of cutting holes in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically includes a template which you can use as a guide to cut the hole into the door.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models including basic button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.
A circular fitting is superior 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 when 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 shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.