Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go out of the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for your cat to leave the house if needed.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!
It is essential to measure the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it may be too big or small and your cat might have difficulty using it.
Before you take any action, though, use a ruler to determine the length of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. You should also measure the height of the door in a few places. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will give you a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the long run!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the right place. For example, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, you must ensure that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is recommended to leave the job of installing a cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they wish without having to leave him home alone. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you think about installing the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.
They are designed to last and are tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, but they may be difficult to fit an animal flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll need determine their height. This is easiest if they are asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too often. Once you've established their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. This location is marked on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you have be extra cautious. Repair My Windows And Doors of drilling into metal can cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside glass. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap comes with a drawing template that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole needs to be. If it doesn't, you could create your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, then use a spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it will not slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the shape that has been drawn on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap against it and then push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound at any point, use a file or rasp to fix it.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Similarly 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 careful not to damage them during this process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, meaning they will not have to face these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative part that cannot be removed, it will make the job.
It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs since it is important to get them right to avoid any potential problems in the future. It is important to get it right, as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and void the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap in place to test whether it will fit and opens easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without issue. Make sure that the flap sits flush with the door too.
If your tool doesn't have a template, you can use thin paper like tracing or acetate. 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). Make four screw holes at each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screws you'll need to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They will also be able determine if your door is suitable for the installation of a cat flap.
It is possible to install a cat flap into composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.
You'll need to use a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself, as it's extremely fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid timber door.