Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they please without opening the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet safe in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from entering.
It is essential to measure the door before you buy a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. This ensures that you get the right size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large and your cat will struggle to use it.
Before doing anything but use a ruler to measure the length of the door in several locations along its edge. Also, you should measure the height of the door in a few places. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they need to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance when you're unsure of how to measure the door. upvc door panel with cat flap fitted will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and advise you on what size flap you should purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door once you have the measurements. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the future!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. For try what he says , if installing the cat flap on the patio door, it's important that the hole isn't too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door you could want to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane and you might be surprised to find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they like without having to leave them home on their own. It also helps keep draughts out of your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are often made from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is quite different too. Before you think about installing the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, however it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. This will be easiest when they're asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you know their height you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you need be cautious. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not, you can make one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it does not then you can make one yourself using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the opening and stop it from being capable of sliding open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut the shape that has been written on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will typically be marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made then place the flap against it and open it to make sure the flap moves easily. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or rasp to correct this.
You should also check whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes inside the door you'll be cutting through, as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Be upvc door panel with cat flap fitted of any handles, or other fittings in the door, which will need to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items while cutting.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these problems. However, if your door is made from wood or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, this could add to the complexity of the task.
It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is crucial to get the job done correctly to avoid possible issues in the future. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
After you've made your hole cut, put the flap in place to check if it fits and is able to open easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they are able to fit and open without any problems. Be sure that the flap is in line with the door.
Some kits include a template for this however, if it doesn't, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper against the door and draw the area where you'll want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Make four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw points that you'll need to fix the flap in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult an expert. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors, but it is important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner prior to making any changes because any changes to these types of doors could invalidate the warranty. If you choose to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could 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 simply through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll require extra care to not damage the door. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is a lot more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid wooden door.