Cat flaps allow your pet to move around at their own pace, without you having to let him in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.<br /><br />Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the appropriate tools.<br /><br />Measure the Door<br /><br />Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's opening. Then, <a href="https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/maidenhead-cat-flap-installer-near-me/">cat flap fitters near me</a> 'll finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.<br /><br />The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will let you choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the home and exit without needing to open the door every time.<br /><br />Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.<br /><br />Put on your eye protection and a dust mask and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line you have pencilled in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this could make it cut faster than you want it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.<br /><br />Draw a Line<br /><br />The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, putting a cat flap in your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.<br /><br />Although this is much simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it can fit the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using the standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if you have a composite or other type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.<br /><br />Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you have the information, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.<br /><br />After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask whenever using the jigsaw, since inhaling the sawdust could be harmful to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.<br /><br />Cut a hole<br /><br />It isn't easy to fit a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.<br /><br />The hole's location should be marked on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.<br /><br />Wear the safety equipment you require when working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.<br /><br />It is crucial to only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.<br /><br />If the upvc door features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the flap.<br /><br />If you're installing a cat flap into 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 brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It will be much cheaper to do this than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.<br /><br />Place the Flap<br /><br />Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own a glass panel that is cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as simple as cutting a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's safe.<br /><br />A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically made up of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.<br /><br /><br /><br />Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. However, no matter what type of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.<br /><br />A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that might break 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.<br /><br />