Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go from the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the house when necessary.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they'd like without needing to open the door. This is a great way to keep your pet safe in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
It is important to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too large or too small, and your cat could have difficulty using it.
Before you do anything however, you should take a ruler and measure the length of the door in several places along its edge. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few places. A door that is too tall will cause your cat to do an exercise routine every time it uses the flap.
If you're unsure of how to measure a door, it might be a good idea to seek help from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this type of work regularly. They will be able to assist you in determining whether your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
Draw the shape of the hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will aid you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. If you are fitting an apex flap to an outdoor door, it's vital that the hole doesn't reach too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the job of installing the cat flap onto a glass door to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you could find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want, without having to leave him all by himself. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat or you.
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different as well. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.
They are designed to be durable and tough, with insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of doors, however it can be difficult to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to starting.
To ensure that your cat can access the door, you'll need to take a measurement of their height. This is easiest if they are sleeping or calm, so that they don't move around too often. Once you have their height you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. You can then mark this spot on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap into the glass pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming fragile. A Glazier is also able to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap should come with a template that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole should go. If it does not then you can create one by using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut the design that was drawn on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC doors. It will usually be identified with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut, place the flap section against it and then open it, making sure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it binds on any points then use a file or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren' window with cat flap or electric pipes inside the door you're planning to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are on the door which will need to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items during the process.
Most people who fit the cat flap themselves have an ordinary solid uPVC door, and therefore won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this can make the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it's important to get advice from a cat flap fitter. It is important to perform them correctly to avoid future problems. It is crucial to do it right because making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to see whether it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any points that catch or stick or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.
Some kits include templates for this, but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could use a piece or thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Draw four screw holes on each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screws you'll need to fix the flap to the door.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then it can be more challenging. If you're unfamiliar with this, it might be beneficial to engage an expert to complete the job for you. They should also be able to help you determine 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 essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
With composite doors, you'll generally need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll need to take extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's important to remember that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.