Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go from the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from entering.
It's important to measure the door prior to when you buy the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the correct size for the door you have. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small and your cat may have difficulty using it.
Before you do anything, though, use a ruler to measure the length of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. Also, determine the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap you should purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next step to do is mark the outline of the hole on the door. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the end!
Make sure you make holes in the right location. If you are fitting the cat flap onto a patio door it is vital that the hole doesn't reach too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door you could want to let this job to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto an existing glass pane, and you may discover 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 want without you needing to leave him all by himself. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or 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 process of installing them is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may cause warranty issues.
In general, these kinds of doors are designed to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other types of doors, however they can be difficult to install an animal flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take the height of your child to ensure they pass through the door. This will be easiest if they are sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you have be cautious. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap into the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A Glazier will also be able to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't however, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). Once the shape has been drawn on the door you can then use a spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. cat flap installation will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it will not slide open or close.
Next, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be labelled accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and then open it, making sure that the flap moves easily. If it becomes stuck on any points then use a file or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap and be careful not to harm them during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, this can make the job.
It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs as it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. If you do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged and could invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to check if it opens and fits well. If you find any points that catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit perfectly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits come with templates for this, but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can use a piece or 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, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these are the screw holes that you'll use to secure it in the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If the door is made of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar in this area, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to handle the work for you. They can also inform you if the door is suitable for installing the cat flap.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first because any changes to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, be aware that this could be messy and possibly dangerous task.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be very dangerous and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself, as it is extremely fragile. It is important to note that it is much more difficult to cut a hole in a door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood door.