Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and also protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to stop them from moving too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line you have pencilled in. Don't press the blade too hard because this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. If cat flap fitters near me own an already-cut square, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go out and in without worrying about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. However, installing the cat flap to your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
While this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of made of composite or another kind of door, you may require more care.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you know this then you need to mark out the area using an eraser and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake could not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety gear for working with a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this could cause issues and damage the doors frame.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and let them relax in the home whenever they like. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own glass panels that is cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit an animal flap onto these doors. It's not a simple matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure that it is safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can choose from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. 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. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that could be hurt by glass shattering.