Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to move around the house at will is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing accidents with toilets by making it easier for the cat to leave the house when 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 makes it perfect to keep them in the house when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!
You should measure the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size to fit inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it could be too small or too large and your cat will be unable to use it.
Take a ruler, and measure the width at several places along the edges 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 acrobatics routine each time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it may be best to ask for assistance from a glazier, or someone who does this type of work often. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can advise you on what size flap to purchase.
Once you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw out the shape of the hole in the door. This will aid you when cutting the hole and save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. If you're installing a cat flap to a patio door it is crucial that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to leave the installation of the cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into an existing pane of glass and you could discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to move around as they please without you having to leave them home to themselves. It can also keep draughts out of your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These kinds of doors are typically made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different, too. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can be detrimental to warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be tough and durable with insulation. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, however they can be difficult to install an animal flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll have to take a measurement of their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you know their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This position can be marked on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed 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 breaking and becoming hard. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut web page
If it doesn't, you can make one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you could make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are perfect). Once the shape has been drawn on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Then, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will typically be marked with this information. If not, ask the staff in the DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole drilled, place the flap section against it and then push it out to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it binds at any point, you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are on the door that will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, which means they won't be faced with these issues. However, if your door is constructed of wood or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, it will increase the difficulty of the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is crucial to complete the job correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is essential to get it right, as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap on to check if it fits and can be opened easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens without any problems. Make sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
If your kit doesn't have templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Place the paper against the door and draw 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 made on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to put it in the right position.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire a professional. They can also help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you want to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself as it is extremely fragile. It is important to note that it's more difficult to cut holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.