Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is much easier to put the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will require some knowledge and appropriate tools.
Take a look at the Door
Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge but if you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will enable you to select a flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the house and exit without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge ensure you have enough space to ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Set a square to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. If you own an already-cut square, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that 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 in and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature steady. However, installing the cat flap to your door could be an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, leading many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the instructions are followed.
This is much easier to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may require more care.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area on the door that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you know this, you will have to draw the area with an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After cat flap fitting near me 've finished the cutting process, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily into place.
Cut a hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the work for you. A botched job could not only be ugly but also pose security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
You should only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems or damage the doors frame.
If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need to create an extra-large 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 the frame of a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they feel like it. 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 a glass panel that can be cut. If you're able to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to install a cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of drilling a hole into the door. It is also necessary to perform a few steps to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically composed of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door has a template you can use to make the hole.
Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. Whatever kind of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. composite door cat flap 's also a much safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.