Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house as it pleases is an excellent method to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the home when required.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the home too!
It is important to take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too large or small and your cat may have difficulty using it.
Before doing anything but use a ruler to measure the length of the door in several locations along its edge. Also, measure the door's height in a few places. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
If you're not sure of how to measure a door, it might be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this kind of work often. They should be able to assist you in determining whether not your door is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap to buy.
Draw the shape of the hole on your door once you have your measurements. This will aid you when you cut the hole and save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. If you're installing an apex flap to a patio door it is important that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the task of installing the cat flap onto the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. It is also possible that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they like without having to leave them alone. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for you or your cat.
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is quite different too. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could be detrimental to warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are made to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert the cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll need measure their height. This will be easiest if they are sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too much. 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 needs to go. This location is marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in a cat flap in a pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which will be less likely to break and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap will come with a template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to go. If it doesn't, you can make one using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has been penciled in on the door, you can use your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening and won't slide open or close.
Then, you can employ a jigsaw for cutting out the shape marked on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will usually be marked with this information. If not, ask the staff in the DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it is bound on any points then make use of a file or a rasp to fix this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed to make room for the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, so they will not have to face these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, this can make the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is essential to do them correctly to avoid future problems. If Look At This do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to check whether it can be opened easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
If your kit doesn't have an example, you could use thin paper like tracing or acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your 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 will be the screws you'll use to fit it in the right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this then it may be advisable to hire an expert to complete the job for you. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can fit a cat flap into composite doors but it's important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, remember that this can be messy and possibly dangerous job.
You'll need to use a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole in any type of glass for a door is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.