Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace without you having to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish off 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 damaging the door.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door each time.
If linked resource site has a drawing showing where to drill, then stick it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure that you have clearance from these because this will ensure your cat's safety 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 start cutting along the line that you penciled in, but don't press the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go out and in without worrying about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. linked resource site call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.
It is much easier to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if you have a composite or other type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. 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 where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information, you will be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience in DIY it is probably best to get an expert to complete the job for you. A botched job may not only be unsightly but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use an electric tool. If linked resource site are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
It is essential to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems or damage the doors frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have an glass panel which can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install the cat flap. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole through the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to make sure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can choose from a range of designs, from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting caught in bad weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.