Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go out of the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically active. cat flap fitters near me can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!
It is essential to measure the door to ensure that you get the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the proper size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too large or too small and your cat may have difficulty using it.
Before you do anything however, you should take a ruler and determine the width of the door in various places along its edge. Also, you should determine the height of the door in a few places. This is because doors that are too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they want to use the flap!
Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to buy.
Draw the outline of the hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will assist you when you cut the hole, and will save you money!
Make sure to put the hole in the correct place. For instance, if you're fitting the cat flap in 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 leave the installation of a cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into an existing pane of glass and you might find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they like without having to leave them alone. It can also stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the installation is different. Before you decide to install the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, but they can be difficult to install a cat flap into. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat is able to pass through the door, you'll need determine their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you have 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 your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming hard. 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 more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap comes with a drawing template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole should be. If it doesn't, you can create one by using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has already been drawn on the door, you can use your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw, and cut the shape written on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it up against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck 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 within the door you'll be cutting through because they could be damaged by your jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage them during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, meaning they will not have to face these problems. If your door is constructed of timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, this could add to the complexity of the task.
It is always worth seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs since it is essential to do them done right to avoid potential issues in the future. It is important to get it right as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap on to see if it fits and opens easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens without any problems. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.
If your tool doesn't have an example, you could use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line where you need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screws will be used to secure the flap to the door.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the work for you. They can also inform you if the door is suitable for installing an animal flap.
You can install the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first because any changes to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you choose to do the work yourself, be aware that this could be messy and possibly hazardous task.
You'll need an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through compo site doors more than only the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you'll have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to create a hole in a door glass than it is for a uPVC door or solid wood door.