Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.
It is much easier to put a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll require some expertise and right tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but as long as you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then finish off the job by fixing 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.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the house and leave without having to open the door every time.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, then place it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure you have enough space to keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. If you have an already-cut square, use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and keeps your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
Although this is much easier to do with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, but you should be careful not to scratch the doors as this will invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. This should be simple enough if you are using a standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if using a composite or other type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a spot on the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Cut a Hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to do the job for you. A botched job could not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc may contain a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.
If you are fitting an animal flap to an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be less expensive than trying to install the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they want to. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as just making a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need first to ensure that it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
After window cat flap 've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap itself. You can purchase and install many different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck in the rain.
It is a good idea to select a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are children or elderly people in your home who could be injured by glass shards.