Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go at their own pace, without having to open the door for them. This is ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests from the home too!
It is important to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. cat flap installers near me can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it may be too large or small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Take a ruler, and determine the width at several places along the edges of the door. Also, you should measure the height of the door in a few places. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they want to use the flap!
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it could be best to ask for assistance from a glazier, or someone who is familiar with this kind of work often. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.
Mark out the shape of your hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making an error that will cost you money in the future!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct place. For example, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the installation of the cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they like without having to leave them home alone. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not good for your cat as well as you.
If find more information own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are typically made from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different, too. Before you decide to install an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it is compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, however it can be difficult to install a cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure the height of your child to ensure they fit through the door. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This position is marked on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire a glazier when installing your cat flap into glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which is less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap should come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the area on your door where the hole needs to go. If it doesn't, you can make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked as such, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole drilled, place the flap section against it and then push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it is bound at any point, use a filer or a rasp to remove it.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. You should also be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door that must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items while cutting.
Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that cannot be removed, this can make the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it is worth getting expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is important to do them correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is crucial to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap in place to test whether it can be opened easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens without issue. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.
Some kits include a template for this however, if it doesn't have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. 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, draw four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these are the screw holes that you'll use to secure the flap into the correct position.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're unfamiliar with this, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the job for you. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can install a cat flap into composite doors. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you choose to do the work yourself, be aware that this can be a messy and potentially hazardous task.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you will require extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole into any type of glass for a door is much more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.