Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go out of the home at its own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.
Take a look at 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 method to keep your pet in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests out of your.
It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too large or too small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Before you do anything, though, use a ruler to take measurements of the width of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap you should purchase.
Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw out the shape of the hole in the door. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!
Make sure you make the hole in the correct position. If you're fitting a cat flap to an outdoor door, it's vital that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the task of installing a cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to install the cat flap onto an existing glass pane and you could find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without needing to leave them on their own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or you.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed of different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is quite different too. Before you consider fitting a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturer as any modifications could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
In general, these kinds of doors are made to be durable and tough with insulation included. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, but it isn't easy to install 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 to make sure they pass through the door. It's easier to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they don't move around. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the location of the flap's bottom. This position is marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's highly advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not however, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). 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 make sure that the design is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being capable of sliding open or closed.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the shape that has been marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole cut out, place the flap section up against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix this.
Also, make sure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes inside the door you'll be cutting through, as they could be damaged by the jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles or other fixtures in the door, which must be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid uPVC door, and therefore won't have to deal with any of these problems. However, if your door is constructed of timber or has decorative panels that cannot be removed then this will add to the complexity of the task.
For these types of jobs, it's important to get advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to do them correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to test whether it will fit and opens easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits come with a template for this however, if it doesn't provide a template, you could use a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and mark a line where you will need to place the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). click hyperlink on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw points that will be used to secure it in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. If your door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to hire an expert. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can install the cat flap onto composite doors but it's important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that it can be messy and possibly hazardous task.
You'll need to use a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's also important to note that cutting a hole into any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.