Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky but 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 much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then complete the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
The first step is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.
If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill, then put it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge then make sure you have enough space as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this can make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own 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 shape, once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the instructions are adhered to.
Although this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you must be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can end the warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may require more care.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area on the door that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you have this information then you be required to mark the area with pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Make a hole
The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless have a lot of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire an expert to complete the task for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and is flush with the door's other parts. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.
Wear the safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. It is necessary to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is the case, it is important to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want and let them relax in the house when they like. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not as simple as just making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally composed of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type door has a template you can use to make the hole.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting caught in bad weather.
It is a good idea to select circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or your family members. upvc door panels with cat flap is particularly important if you have child or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.