Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back 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'll require some knowledge and appropriate 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 directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then complete the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.
The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will require. This will let you select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the house and exit without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X. However, some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge ensure you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin to cut along the line you penciled in, but don't push the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being a nuisance to a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home steady. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the instructions are followed.
Although this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you must be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may have to be more cautious.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a spot in the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this you'll be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, you're now ready 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 this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, as inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily in place.
Cut a Hole
It can be a challenge to put an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. If cat flap installers 're not experienced in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth any edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is crucial to only remove the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. It is necessary to leave some extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This is less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that wasn't designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they feel like it. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly if you don't own glass panes that can be cut for one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install a cat flap. It's not a simple matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that it is safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually composed of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.
Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can pick from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting stuck outside 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 the door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a much safer option to use as you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have a child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards glass.