Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go from the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when needed.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around as they please without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect for keeping them in the home when you're away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the home too!
It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap as there are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or too large for your cat and he will struggle to use it.
Take a ruler, and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few places. A door that is too tall will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They will be able to help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw the outline of the hole in the door. cat flap installers will help you when you cut the hole and save you money!
Make sure to put holes in the right location. If you are fitting a cat flap to a patio door it is crucial that the hole doesn't reach too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
It is best to leave the installation of a cat flap on a glass door to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they want without needing to leave them to themselves. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible prior to installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Discover More can be detrimental to warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be durable and tough with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, however they can be difficult to fit an animal flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner before starting.
You'll need to take the height of your child to make sure they fit through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside glass. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not then you can create one yourself using a sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it isn't, you can create one by using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, then use a spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap sits properly in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Next, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked as such, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap up against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to correct this.
You should also check whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door you'll be cutting through since they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them during this process.
The majority of people who install the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door, and therefore will not have to worry about any of these problems. But, if your door is made of timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will increase the difficulty of the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is important to do them correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is essential to get it right, as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap on to check whether it will fit and opens easily. If you find any points which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door.
If cat flap installation doesn't have a template, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or acetate. Place the paper against the door and draw the area where you'll need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screws you'll need to use to fix the flap to the door.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. If the door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to handle the job for you. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is important to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the task yourself, remember that it can be a messy and potentially dangerous job.
You'll need an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.