Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your cat go in and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
It is simpler to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one, but you will need some skills and the right tools.
Measure original site
Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult however, as long as the cat flap is the right type and you follow the directions you can make it less difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut out the door's area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to keep them from moving too far either way.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. If you have a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to make sure 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 lets you to let your pet in and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature stable. However, fitting a cat flap in your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. This is an option but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the instructions are followed.
While this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area on the door that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you know this you'll need to mark out the area with a pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut 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 clean rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a Hole
Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it is best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
The first thing to do is draw the position of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. 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're worried about noise, you can get an electric jigsaw that is more quiet and easy to use.
You should only remove the material needed to fit the flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this can cause problems or cause damage to the door 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 situation you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're installing the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It is much less expensive to have this done instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the house when they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own an glass panel that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to fit the cat flap to these doors. It's not as simple as cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. 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, it's now time to fit the cat flap itself. You can pick from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in the rain.
It's a good idea choose a circular fitting rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children in your home that could be injured by glass shards.