Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
It is easier to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will require some expertise and appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will help you mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut the door area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X. However, some kits come with drawings that show where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding on the bottom edge ensure that you have enough clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without worrying about them coming in with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, putting a cat flap in your door could be an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.
While this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you should be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it will fit the new cat flap. This should be easy enough if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, but you might need to take extra care if you are using a composite or other kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a place near the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this, you will have to draw the area using a pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask at all times when working with 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 into place.
Cut a Hole
It can be difficult to install an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless you have expertise in DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when it is inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark the position of the hole in the door with pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready for any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.
You should only remove the material required to fit the flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need 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 a cat flap into a upvc door or double glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This is less expensive than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own an glass panel that is cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not a matter of cutting a hole into the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically has a template which you can use as a guide to cut the hole into the door.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck in the rain.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.