Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without you having to open the door. This is ideal to keep them in the house when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home too!
It is essential to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap since there are different sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it may be too big or small, and your cat could have difficulty using it.
Take a ruler, and determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also measure the height of the door in a few places. A door that is too tall will cause your cat to do an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
If you're not sure of how to measure a door, it might be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this kind of work frequently. They will be able to help you determine whether or the door you have 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 step to do is mark the outline of the hole in the door. This will assist you when cutting the hole, and will save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. If you are fitting the cat flap onto a patio door it is vital that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have a glass door, it might be best to delegate this task to a professional 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 allows your pet to move around as they want, without having to leave him alone. It can also stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, 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 to see if it is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are built to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of doors, however it isn't easy to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure their height in order to ensure they fit through the door. This will be easiest when they're asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This location can be outlined on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside glass. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap will come with a template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole needs to be. If it isn't, you can create one by using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out then place the flap against it and then push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, use a file or rasp to fix this.
Also, make sure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting through, since they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door that have to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid uPVC door and won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that isn't easily removed, this will complicate the job.
It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid possible issues in the future. If you do it wrong, it could cause the door to be damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Place cat flap installation near me
Once you've made your hole, place the flap and check if it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any points that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
If your kit doesn't include an example, you could make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a 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 screws you'll use to fit the flap into the right position.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite, it can be more challenging. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be beneficial to engage a professional to do the job for you. They can also determine if your door is suitable for installing the cat flap.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you choose to carry out the work yourself, remember that this can be messy and hazardous task.
For composite doors, you'll usually need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door's panel rather than just through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will need to take extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wood door.