Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want without you having to let him in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult, but so long as the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the guidelines you can make it less difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door every time, but also small enough to prevent them from going too far in either direction.
If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill, you can stick it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. If you own a set square then use it to check that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangular shape. 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 way to allow your pet to go out and in without having to worry about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. Installing a cat flap on your door may seem daunting to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the directions are followed.
It is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using a standard uPVC door, but you might need to take more care if you have an insulated or composite type of door as these can be 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 distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you know this then you have to draw the area with an eraser and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you create will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily into place.
Cut a Hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it is best to hire a professional to do the work for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.
The first thing to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly placed and runs parallel to the other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
It is best to only remove the material needed to fit the flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or panel which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap inside. It is cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. cat flap fitters is especially true in the event that you don't own glass panels that can be cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting trapped outside 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 leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. It'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 particularly important if there are elderly or children in your home that could be hurt by glass shards.