Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go as they please without opening the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet inside the house when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
You should take measurements of the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it could be too big or small and your cat may have trouble using it.
Get a ruler and measure the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should measure the height of the door in a few spots. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform a gymnast routine every time it wants to use the flap.
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether your door is suitable for a cat flap, and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.
Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the shape of the hole on the door. This will provide you with an outline to cutting the hole and will stop you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the end!
Make sure to put holes in the right position. If you're installing a cat flap to a patio door it is vital that the hole doesn't reach too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors you could want to delegate this task to a glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go as they please without you needing to leave them alone. It also helps stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are typically made of different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is quite different too. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to weather than other types of doors, however it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to starting.
You'll need to take their height in order to ensure they pass through the door. This is easier when they're asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you know their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. You can then mark this spot on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you need be cautious. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install the cat flap inside a pane. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't then you can create one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape is drawn on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening, and it will not open or close.
Then, you can make use of a jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once the hole is cut, place the flap section against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves easily. If it is bound at any point, use a file or rasp to correct this.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk should also be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door which have to be removed to fit 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 the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with 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 types of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. If you do it wrong, it could lead to the door being damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Place the Flap
After you've cut your hole, put the flap to see whether it opens and fits well. If you notice any points which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.
If your tool doesn't have an example, you could make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Lay the paper against the door and draw an area on which you'll need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw points that you'll need to use to fix the flap in place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. If the door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to carry out the work yourself, be aware that this can be messy and hazardous task.
You'll need to use a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself, as it's extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to make a hole in a door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood door.