Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the home at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the house if required.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they please without having to open the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet in the house when you're away or at home. cat flap installers helps keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
It's important to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap as there are different sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for the door you have. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or too small, and your cat could be unable to use it.
Take a ruler, and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also determine the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they 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 performs this type of work often. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
Draw the outline of the hole on your door once you have your measurements. This will aid you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. If you are fitting a cat flap to a patio door it is vital that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to leave the job of installing a cat flap on a glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane, and you may be surprised to find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want, without needing to leave him all by himself. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not good for your cat as well as you.
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be durable and tough, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, however they can be difficult to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner before beginning.
You'll need to take their height in order to ensure that they can fit through the door. This is easier when they're asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know their height you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. This location can be marked on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel), you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire a glass installer when installing a cat flap in the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole to use for the cat flap, which is less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not however, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it does not then you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the door, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut then place the flap against it and open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound on any points then you can use a file or a sandpaper to correct this.
Also, make sure whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door that you will be cutting through, since they could be damaged by your jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. You should be cautious not to scratch them during this process.
Most people who install the cat flap themselves have the standard solid uPVC door and won't have to deal with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that is not easily removed, this will complicate the job.
It is always worth seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is crucial to get them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. It is important to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap to check whether it opens and fits well. If you find any points that catch or stick, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.
Some kits come with a template for this but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and draw the area where you'll want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screws you'll need to use to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult a professional. They will also be able determine if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.
You can install a cat flap into composite doors but it's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes since any modifications to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you choose to complete the task yourself, be aware that this can be a messy and potentially dangerous task.
When you have composite doors, you'll usually require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be aware that this can be extremely dangerous work and you'll have to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's important to remember that it's more difficult to create a hole in a door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood door.