Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace without needing to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the right tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will require. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to go into the home and exit without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line 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 the moulding or sill.
Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line that you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you'd like it to. If you own an already-cut square, use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature steady. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the instructions are adhered to.
This is much simpler to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is still possible using uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a spot on the door that will be within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is essential to be patient 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 when using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get an expert to complete the job for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.
The first thing you have to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is placed and runs flush with all other parts of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any edges.
Wear the safety equipment you require when working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.
It is crucial to only cut away the material required to make the cat flap. It is important 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.
If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than fitting the flap into an existing pane that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own an glass panel that can be cut. If cat flaps for french doors looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not a simple matter of cutting holes in the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically includes a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models, from basic button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.
A circular fitting is better than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer option to use as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have a young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards glass.