Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet come and go whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.
Take a look at the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy however, as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
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 enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door every time, yet small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. However, fitting an animal flap on your door could be an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
This is much easier to do on doors made of wood, however it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors since this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you might require more care.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a spot near the door that will be within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.
After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you're not skilled in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the rest of the door. It is important to have some sandpaper on the ready to smooth any edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.
It is essential to only cut away the material needed to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and in this case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done it is important to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you are fitting a cat flap into an upvc door or a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This will be less expensive than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not designed for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they want to. If you've got a uPVC door, it might be difficult to install an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to fit one. If you're willing to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit the cat flap to the doors. It's not just a matter of slicing holes in the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a range of designs, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
Repair My Windows And Doors is superior than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially important if there are children or elderly people at home who might be injured by glass shards.