Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house as it pleases is a great way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It is important to measure the door to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too large or too small and your cat may be unable to use it.
Use a ruler to measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, you should measure 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.
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They should be able to assist you in determining whether your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark the shape of the hole in the door. This will help you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside the patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is recommended to leave the task of installing the cat flap on a glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come whenever they like without needing to leave them to themselves. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn'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 of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of 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 manufacturer as any modifications could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
These doors are typically designed to last and are tough with insulation. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other types of doors, but they can be difficult to fit the cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner prior to starting.
You'll need to determine their height in order to ensure that they can pass through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you've determined their height, you can measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This position is marked on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be extra cautious. The act of drilling into the metal may cause it to crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. upvc door panel replacement cat flap is the reason it's recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to crack and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap will come with a template that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole should be. If it doesn't, you could make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape has already been penciled in on the door, you can use your spirit level and make sure it's horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being able to slide open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the shape that has been marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be labelled accordingly If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole made then place the flap against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a file or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to harm them during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these issues. But, if your door is made of timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, this could increase the difficulty of the job.
It is always worthwhile seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs as it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. It is essential to get it right as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to check whether it will fit and opens easily. If you find any points that catch or stick, file them down with the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
If your kit doesn't have templates, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. Place the paper against the door and mark the area where you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Make four screw holes at each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screws you'll need to use to fix the flap to the door.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If your door is constructed of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is recommended to consult an expert. They can also inform you if the door is suitable for the installation of a cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is important to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors may make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be a messy job and even dangerous.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you'll require extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.