Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come as they please without you needing to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the house.
It is simpler to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult however, so long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then, cat flap fitters 'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
The first step is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop the pet from straying 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, but some kits include drawings that show where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure you have clearance from these to keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you penciled in. Don't press the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you want it to. If you have a set square then use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home steady. However, putting a cat flap in your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
This is much simpler to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it can fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you might need to be more careful.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to find an area on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
It isn't easy to put the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not only look ugly, but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door with pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is quieter and easier.
It is best to only remove the material needed to make the flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you are fitting a cat flap into a upvc door or double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap inside. It is cheaper to have this done than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own a glass panel that can be cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install a cat flap. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models including basic push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck in the rain.
It's a good idea opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have a child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.