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 reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for cats to leave the house if needed.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without opening the door for them. This makes it ideal to keep them inside when you're home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!
It is important to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap since there are different sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large and your cat will struggle to use it.
Before doing anything, though, use a ruler to measure the width of the door in various places along its edge. You should also measure the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too high will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to buy.
Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark the outline of the hole on the door. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole and will stop you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the end!
Make sure to put holes in the right position. For example, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, it is important that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is recommended to leave the installation of the cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. It is also possible that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want, without having to leave him alone. It also helps keep draughts out of 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 the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the installation is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. cat flap fitting near me to the door could cause warranty issues.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be durable and tough with insulation included. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, however it can be difficult to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll have to determine their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This location is marked on the door.
When using power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you need be extra cautious. The process of drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ a glass installer when installing an e-cat flap on a pane. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming hard. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
If not, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you can create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape has already been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and will not slide open or close.
Next, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or rasp to fix this.
It is also important to ensure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes inside the door that you will be cutting into because they could be damaged by your jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fixtures in the door, which have to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items in the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have a standard 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 piece that cannot be removed, this can make the task.
It is always worthwhile seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs because it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. If you do it wrong, it could lead to the door being damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Fit the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap in place to see whether it is able to open easily. If you find any points that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap is flush with the door too.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These are the screw holes that you'll use to secure the flap into place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're not comfortable with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They should also be able to advise you on whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, you need to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be messy and may even be hazardous.
When you have composite doors, you'll generally require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take great care not to damage the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's important to remember that cutting a hole into any type of glass for a door is far more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wood door.