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 mentally and physically engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go as they please without having to open the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet inside the home when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from entering.
It is important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap as there are different sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the proper size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too large or too small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Before doing anything however, you should take a ruler and measure the width of the door in various locations along its edge. You should also measure the height of the door in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high will cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They will be able to help you determine whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap, and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to purchase.
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 save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the right position. If you're installing a cat flap to the patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors it is best to let this job to a glazier. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass 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 move around as they wish without needing to leave him all by himself. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not 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 kinds of doors are often made of different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be durable and tough with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, but they may be difficult to fit the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat is able to get through the door, you'll have to measure their height. This is easier if they are sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too often. Once you have their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you have to be careful. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in the cat flap inside the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap should come with a template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to go. If it does not then you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape has been penciled on the door, you can utilize your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole made then place the flap against it and then push it open to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it is bound on any point, then you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix this.
You should also check that there are no electric cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting through, as they could be damaged by your jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed to make room for the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them during this process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that isn't easily removed, it will make the job.
cat flap fitting near me is always worthwhile seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, put the flap and check if it opens and fits. If you find any points that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit perfectly and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits include a template for this but even if yours doesn't, you can use a piece or thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and draw a line in order 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, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screw points you'll use to fit the flap into place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're not comfortable with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
It is possible to install a cat flap into composite doors. However, it's essential to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner before you do so since any modifications to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to carry out the work yourself, remember that it can be messy and possibly dangerous job.
You'll need to use a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will need to take extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to cut holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood doors.