Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without having to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your house as well!
It is important to examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. You should then make sure 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 big or small and your cat may have trouble using it.
Before you do anything but use a ruler to take measurements of the length of the door in several locations along its edge. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few places. This is because doors that are too high can cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They should be able to assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap to buy.
Draw the outline of the hole on your door after you have taken your measurements. This will help you when you're cutting the hole and save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the right position. For instance, if installing the cat flap on a patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is best to delegate the job of installing a cat flap on a glass door to an experienced glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you having to leave him all by himself. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't healthy for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
In general, these kinds of doors are made to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to weather than other types of door, but it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to starting.
To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need determine their height. This is easier when they're sleeping or calm, so that they don't move around too much. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. You can then mark this position on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you need to be careful. The drilling process can make cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire a glazier when installing your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming hard. A glazier will also be able 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
If not, you can make one yourself by using a piece of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you can make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape is drawn on the door, then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being capable of sliding open or close.
Next, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the design that is on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade that is 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 the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to fix this.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, it will make the task.
It is always worthwhile seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is important to get them right to avoid any potential problems 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 got your hole drilled, put the flap on to check whether it is able to open easily. If you notice any points that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit perfectly and open without any problems. Make sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
If your kit doesn't include an example, you could make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Place similar internet site on the door and draw a line in order to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These are the screw holes that you'll use to secure it into the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. If the door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're not experienced in this area, it might be wise to get a professional to do the job for you. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable for the installation of an animal flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, be aware that this can be messy and dangerous task.
With composite doors, you'll typically require a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than simply through the GRP. Be aware that this could be very dangerous and you'll need to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself, as it's extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.