Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.
It is easier to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll need some skills and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then finish the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and exit without having to open the door each time.
If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill then you can stick it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting according to the lines you've drawn in. Don't press the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home stable. Installing composite door cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the instructions are followed.
This is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of made of composite or another kind of door, you might need to be more careful.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. 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 that will be within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.
After upvc cat flap door panels have marked the area, it is time to make the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful 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 into the hole.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake could not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
The first thing you need to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door using pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand to smooth any edges.
Wear the safety equipment you require when working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave some extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A upvc door may have a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you are fitting an animal flap to the frame of a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a professional who will supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. This is less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and let them relax at home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be hard to install a cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own glass panels which can be cut. If you're willing to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door typically includes a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea choose a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children living in your home who could be injured by glass fragments.