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 great idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when required.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them inside when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
It is essential to measure the door to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it may be too large or too small and your cat may have trouble using it.
Use a ruler to measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few places. A door that is too tall 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 what to measure for the door. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and give you advice on the right size flap to purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. cat flap cost will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will stop you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!
You must also ensure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. For instance, if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door, it might be best to let this job to a glazier. It can be very tricky to fit a cat flap inside an existing glass pane and you might find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come whenever they want without having to leave them on their own. It can also stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for you or your cat!
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer because alterations could affect any warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be tough and durable and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, however they can be a challenge to insert an animal flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
To ensure that your cat can access the door, you'll need to measure their height. This is easier if they are asleep or calm, so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the cat flap, which will be less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't then you can create one yourself using a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you can make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been penciled in on the door, utilize your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to properly fit into the door and prevent it from being in a position to slide open or close.
Next, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the shape marked on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC door use. It is usually marked with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made then place the flap against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
It is also important to ensure whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door you'll be cutting through as they could be damaged by your jigsaw. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap and be careful not to damage them during this process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC door and will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that cannot be removed, this can make the task.
For these types of jobs, it is important to get guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is essential to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged and could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to test whether it will fit and can be opened easily. If you find any points that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to file them down until they are able to fit and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits include an example of this, however, even if yours does not provide a template, you could use a piece or thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper against the door and draw a line where you need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screws you'll need to fix the flap to the door.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite, it can be more challenging. If you're not comfortable with this, it's recommended that you hire an expert. They can also help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can install a cat flap into composite doors but it's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so because any changes to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you choose to complete the task yourself, be aware that it can be messy and hazardous task.
You'll need to use a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you will require extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid wooden door.