Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat move around the house whenever it wants is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to open the door. cat flap installation is a great method to keep your pet safe in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from entering.
It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap as there are various sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small and your cat may be unable to use it.
Before you take any action, though, use a ruler to determine the length of the door in several locations along its edge. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few places. This is because doors that are too high can cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They can determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap to buy.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark out the shape of the hole on the door. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the future!
Make sure to put holes in the right place. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is best to delegate the installation of a cat flap on a glass door to an experienced glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they wish without having to leave him all by himself. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat or you.
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is quite different too. Before you consider fitting an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturer because alterations could affect any warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable with insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, however they can be difficult to fit the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat is able to get through the door, you'll need to take a measurement of their height. This is easier if they are sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too often. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This location is marked on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you will need be extra cautious. cat flap installation drilling process can make cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in a cat flap in the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier is also able to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure 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.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut the shape marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked as such however, 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 ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're planning to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Be aware of any handles or other fixtures that are in the door, which must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these issues. But, if cat flap installer is made of timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will add to the complexity of the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it is worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is important to do them correctly to avoid problems in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged, which could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Install the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap in place to test if it fits and can be opened easily. If you notice any points which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap is flush with the door too.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These are the screw holes you'll use to fit it in the correct position.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's best to hire an expert. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable to install an animal flap.
If you want to install a cat flap on composite doors, you need to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this can be messy and dangerous job.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to make a hole in a door glass than it is for a uPVC door or solid wood doors.