Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house as it pleases is an excellent method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the home when required.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you having to open the door. This is a great method to keep your pet inside the house when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
It's important to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap as there are different sizes available. This ensures you get the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or too large, and your cat may have trouble using it.
Before doing anything however, you should use a ruler to measure the length of the door in various places along its edge. Also, measure the door's height in a few places. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they want to use the flap!
If you're not sure of how to measure a door, it might be best to ask for assistance from a glazier, or someone who does this type of work often. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap you should purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the shape of the hole on the door. This will help you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
Make sure to put the hole in the right position. If you're fitting a cat flap to a patio door it is crucial that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the task of installing a cat flap on a glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be very tricky to insert the cat flap onto an existing glass pane and you could discover 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 like without having to leave them on their own. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the installation is different. Before you consider fitting the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it is compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer because alterations could affect any warranties.
In general, these kinds of doors are built to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure their height to ensure they pass through the door. It's easier to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you've established their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel), you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's highly advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside glass. cat flap insulation will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole to use for the cat flap, which is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap will come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole will be. If it doesn't, you can create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door you can then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut the design that was written on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It is usually identified with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut and the flap is placed against it and open it, making sure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it binds at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to remove it.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures that are on the door that will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items in the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't be faced with these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, it will make the task.
It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is essential to do them done right to avoid potential problems in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Fit the Flap
Once you've made your hole, place the flap and check if it opens and fits. If you find any points that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without issue. Make sure that the flap is perfectly flush with the door.
Some kits include templates for this, however, even if yours does not have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Lay the paper against the door and mark an area on which you'll will need to place the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screws you'll need to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. If your door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is best to hire an expert. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your 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 make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be a messy job and even dangerous.
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 a very hazardous job and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself since it is very fragile. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.