Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is simpler to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll require some knowledge and appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult however, provided that the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then complete the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far in either direction.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill then you can stick it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure you have clearance from these to keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you penciled in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own an already-cut square, make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the remaining 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 reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. However, fitting an animal flap on 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 do the job instead. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the steps are adhered to.
While this is far simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could invalidate the warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it will be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you will need to find a spot on the door where this measurement is within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have the information, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. My Web Page will need to use a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.
Cut a Hole
It isn't easy to fit an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly, but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.
The first thing you have to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is placed and runs parallel to the other components of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at ready for any rough edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material required to fit the flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This is less expensive than fitting the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be hard to install a cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own a glass panel which can be cut. If you're able to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as simple as just making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure that it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically made up of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door typically includes a template which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It is a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are 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 especially important if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be hurt by shards of glass.