Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go out of the home at its own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they'd like without needing to open the door. This is ideal to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your house as well!
It is essential to take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat may be unable to use it.
Before you take any action, though, use a ruler to measure the length of the door in various locations along its edge. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high can cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They'll be able help you determine whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap you should purchase.
Draw the outline of your hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will help you when you cut the hole, and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. For instance, if fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the job of installing the cat flap on a glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go as they please without you having to leave them on their own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be durable and tough, with insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, however it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure their height to ensure that they can pass through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they aren't moving around. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This position can be marked on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an expert glass installer when putting in the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming hard. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap should come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole needs to go. If it isn't, you can create one by using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, then use your spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to be properly seated in the opening and stop it from being capable of sliding open or closed.
Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the shape marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will usually be marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once the hole is cut and the flap is placed against it and open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it binds at any point, use a filer or a rasp to fix this.
cat flap fitting near me is also important to ensure whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door you'll be cutting into as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed to fit the cat flap and be careful not to damage them in the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't be faced with these problems. However, if your door is made of timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed then this will increase the difficulty of the job.
It is always worthwhile seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs since it is essential to do them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged, which could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to check whether it is able to open easily. If you notice any spots that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens without issue. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.
Some kits come with templates for this, however, even if yours does not, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to fit the flap into the right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. If your door is constructed of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be advisable to hire a professional to do the job for you. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, remember that this can be messy and dangerous task.
For composite doors, you'll typically need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this could be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself since it's extremely fragile. It is important to note that it's more difficult to make the door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood door.