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 great idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you having to open the door. This is a great method to keep your pet in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests out of your.
It is important to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the proper size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it could be too large or small and your cat may have difficulty using it.
Take a ruler, and measure the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they want to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and can give you advice on the right size flap to buy.
Once you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is mark out the shape of the hole on the door. This will assist you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
cat flap in bifold doors must also ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. If you are fitting a cat flap to the patio door, it is crucial that the hole doesn't 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 let this job to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come whenever they like without needing to leave them alone. It can also help to stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. 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 be detrimental to warranties.
They are designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before beginning.
You'll need to determine their height to ensure that they can pass through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the position of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into metal can cause it to crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire a glazier when installing your cat flap inside the glass pane. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to crack and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap will come with a drawing template that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole needs to be. If it doesn't, make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being in a position to slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the design that was written on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly 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 action of the flap is smooth. If it is bound at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed to install the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't have to deal with these problems. But, if your door is made of timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed then this will add to the complexity of the job.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is important to get them done right to avoid possible issues in the future. It is important to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap to check if it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any spots that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap is perfectly flush with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, however, even if yours does not provide a template, you could use a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and mark an area on which you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to fit it into the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If your door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's best to hire a professional. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable for installing the cat flap.
You can fit a cat flap into composite doors but it's important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and may even be hazardous.
You'll need a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you will need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole in any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid wood door.