Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can help reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the house when required.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go at their own pace, without having to open the door for them. This makes it perfect for keeping them in when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
It is important to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or too large and your cat will be unable to use it.
Use a ruler to determine the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, measure upvc door panels with cat flap RepairMyWindowsAndDoors in a few places. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is mark out the shape of the hole on the door. This will aid you when cutting the hole and save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. If you are fitting an apex flap to a patio door it is vital that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass, it might be best to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to insert a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you might discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want, without having to leave him home alone. It can also help to keep draughts out of your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if the door is compatible prior to installing the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, however it can be difficult to install the cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to determine the height of your child to ensure they fit through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. Then, you can mark this position on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be extra cautious. The process of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an expert glass installer when putting in the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming hard. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to break and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door, then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the opening and prevent it being capable of sliding open or closed.
Then, you can employ a jigsaw for cutting out the shape marked on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC doors. It is usually marked with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. After the hole has been cut, place the flap section against it and then open it, making sure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it is bound at any point, you can use a file or a sandpaper to correct this.
You should also check that there are no electric cables or gas pipes inside the door you will be cutting through as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that will have to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to harm them in the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they will not have to face these problems. But, if your door is made of wood or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, this could make it more difficult to complete the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it is important to get guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. It is important to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, put the flap and check if it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any points which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.
Some kits include a template for this however, even if yours does not have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper against the door and mark a line where you want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screws that you'll use to secure the flap into place.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They will also be able to determine if your door is suitable to install a cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap in composite doors, you need to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and could be dangerous.
With composite doors, you'll typically require a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you will need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's also important to note that cutting a hole into any kind of glass door is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.