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 way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without having to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
You should take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it might be too small or too large for your cat and he will struggle to use it.
Use a ruler to take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. You should also determine the door's height in a couple of places. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will aid you when cutting the hole and save you money!
Make sure to put the hole in the right position. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.
If you have a glass door it is best to delegate this task to a glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. It is also possible that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they wish without needing to leave him all by himself. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat as well as you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These types of doors are often made from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different as well. Before you consider fitting the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturer because alterations could affect any warranties.
These doors are generally designed to last and are tough with insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other types of door, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner before beginning.
You'll need to determine their height to make sure they pass through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you have their height and weight, you can determine the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. You can then mark this spot on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's highly advisable to hire a glazier when installing your cat flap in the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming hard. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap should come with a template that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to go. If it doesn't, you could make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape has been penciled on the door, use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap sits properly in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Then, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make cat flap installer near me that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked as such If not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole drilled, place the flap section up against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a filer or a rasp to remove it.
It is also important to ensure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes inside the door you will be cutting into as they could be damaged by your jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door that must be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, so they won't have to deal with these problems. If cat flap installers near me is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this will complicate the task.
For these types of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've cut your hole, you can place the flap to check if it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any spots that stick or catch, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap is perfectly flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screw points that you'll use to secure it in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to carry out the work yourself, be aware that it can be messy and possibly dangerous task.
You'll need a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take great care not to harm the door or yourself, as it is extremely fragile. It's important to remember that it is much more difficult to make holes in door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood doors.