Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house whenever it wants is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the home when necessary.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This is ideal to keep them in the house when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
It is essential to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or small, and your cat could have trouble using it.
Before you take any action however, you should take a ruler and take measurements of the width of the door in a variety of places along its edges. You should also determine the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who does this kind of work regularly. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will help you decide on the size of flap to purchase.
Draw the outline of your hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will stop you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the right place. If cat flap cover for winter fitting a cat flap to the patio door, it is vital that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass it is best to leave this task to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to insert a cat flap inside an existing glass pane and you might find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they wish without having to leave him all by himself. It can also stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different as well. Before you consider fitting the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturer because alterations could invalidate any warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, however they can be difficult to install a cat flap into. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take the height of your child to ensure they fit through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they don't move around. Once you have their height and weight, you can determine the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. This location can be outlined on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in the cat flap inside the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also be 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 cat flap will come with a drawing template that can be used to mark the spot on your door where the hole needs to go. If fitting a cat flap in a upvc door doesn't, make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to be properly seated in the opening and stop it from being able to slide open or closed.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the shape that has been written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked as such however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once the hole is cut and the flap is placed against it and then open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or a rasp to fix this.
Check that there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. You should also be aware of any handles or other fittings in the door, which have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects 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. But, if your door is constructed of wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will make it more difficult to complete the job.
It is always worthwhile seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is important to get them right to avoid any potential problems in the future. It is crucial to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've cut your hole, place the flap to check whether it opens and fits. If you spot any areas that catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and open without any problems. Be sure that the flap is in line with the door.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate where the flap should be 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 are the screw holes you'll use to put it in the correct position.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite, it can be more challenging. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be advisable to hire a professional to handle the job for you. They can also help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can install a cat flap into composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first since any modifications to these doors could void the warranty. If you choose to complete the task yourself, be aware that it can be messy and dangerous job.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It's also important to note that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid wooden door.