Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat move around the house at will is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for the cat to leave the house when needed.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without having to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them inside when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It is essential to take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small and your cat might have trouble using it.
Before you do anything, though, use a ruler to determine the length of the door in several locations along its edge. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too tall will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it uses the flap.
Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the outline of the hole on the door. This will help you when you're cutting the hole and will save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the right location. If you are fitting the cat flap onto a patio door it is important that the hole doesn't get too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the installation of the cat flap onto glass doors to an experienced glazier. cat flap installer can be very tricky to insert a cat flap into the glass pane, and you may be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without you having to leave him home all by himself. It can also help to keep draughts out of 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 doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may be detrimental to warranties.
They are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation. fitting a cat flap makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, however they can be difficult to fit the cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure their height in order to make sure they pass through the door. It's easier to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly when the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming hard. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which will be less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap will come with a drawing template that can be used to mark the spot on your door where the hole will be. If it isn't, you can make one using the thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape has already been drawn on the door, use your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to sit properly in the opening and stop it from being in a position to slide open or close.
Then, you can employ a jigsaw for cutting out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC door use. It will typically be labeled 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 ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use a filer or rasp to fix this.
Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you plan to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fittings on the door which have to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, this can make the job.
For these types of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is essential to do them correctly to avoid any future issues. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Install the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap on to test if it fits and can be opened easily. If you find any points that stick or catch, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap is perfectly flush with the door.
Some kits include templates for this, however, if it doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. 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 each corner of the flap - these are the screw holes you'll use to fit it into place.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the work for you. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable for installing an animal flap.
You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be a messy job and even dangerous.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll have to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself as it is extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wood door.