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. A flap can aid in reducing accidents with toilets by making it easier for the cat to leave the house if necessary.
Take a look at 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 keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!
It is important to measure the door to ensure that you get the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your door made of upvc. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Use a ruler to take measurements of the width at various locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do an exercise routine every time it uses the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance 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 purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark the shape of the hole on the door. This will aid you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. If you are fitting an apex flap to the patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't get too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the job of installing the cat flap onto a glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap inside an existing glass pane and you could find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come as they please without you needing to leave them on their own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not healthy for your cat or you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.
In general, these kinds of doors are built to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to weather than other types of doors, but it isn't easy to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional jointer prior to starting.
To ensure that your cat is able to access the door, you'll need determine their height. This is easier when they're sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you've determined their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This position is marked on the door.
If linked webpage or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make cracks, particularly if the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage a glazier when installing your cat flap in the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap comes with a drawing template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to be. If it doesn't, you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being able to slide open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut the design that was written on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will usually be identified with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. Once the hole is cut, place the flap section against it and open it to make sure the flap moves easily. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or a rasp to correct this.
Check that there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door which have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be cautious not to cause damage to these items during the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and will not have to worry about any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that cannot be removed, this can make the task.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is important to get them done right to avoid possible issues in the future. It is crucial to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap to check if it opens and fits well. If you notice any points that stick or catch, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap is flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't have templates, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These are the screw holes you'll use to fit it in the right position.
cat flap fitters of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable for installing a cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and could be dangerous.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take great care not to harm the door or yourself since it's extremely fragile. It is important to note that it's more difficult to cut the door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.