Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the home.
Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the right tools.
Take a look at the Door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then complete the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to keep them from moving too far either way.
Once you have the measurements you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X. However, some kits come with drawings that show where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start cutting along the line that you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard, as this can make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, fitting a cat flap in your door could be an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, leading many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.
While this is far easier to do with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you should be careful not to scratch the doors as this will end your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough for an ordinary uPVC door, however you may require extra care if you are using an insulated or composite type of door as these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you know this then you need to mark out the area with pencil and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust could be hazardous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap will fit easily in place.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly, but also pose security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly placed and runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to create the flap. It is important to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the flap.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade in it. Ongoing is much less expensive to get this done rather than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the house when they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have an glass panel which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add the cat flap. It's not just a matter of slicing an opening in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A composite door panel is typically made up of an extremely thin plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door has a template can be used to cut the hole.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of options, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to select circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if a drill is used on it. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.