Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house at will is an excellent method to keep your pet active and mentally 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.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without opening the door for them. This makes it ideal for keeping them in the home when you're away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It's important to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap as there are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it may be too big or small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Take a ruler, and take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. You should also determine the door's height in a few places. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine every time it uses the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They can determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can advise you on what size flap to buy.
Draw the outline of your hole on the door once you have your measurements. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the long run!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, you must ensure that the hole is not too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the task of installing the cat flap onto the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want, without having to leave him home alone. It also helps stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, but they may 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 before starting.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll have to determine their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you've determined their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. Then, you can mark this position on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you have to be careful. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not however, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not, ask cat flap glass door installation near me in your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out, place the flap section against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, use the filer or the rasp to correct this.
Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed to fit the cat flap. You should be careful not to harm them in the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, this will complicate the job.
It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is important to get them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. It is essential to get it right as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap on to see whether it can be opened easily. If you find any points that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit perfectly and open without any problems. Make sure that the flap is aligned 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 the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Make four screw holes at every 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 it in place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. If your door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is best to hire an expert. They can also advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can install a cat flap into composite doors, but it is important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be messy and even dangerous.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is much more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid wooden door.