Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house if required.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they want without opening the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet safe in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.
upvc door panels with cat flap should take measurements of the door to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too big or small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Before you do anything however, you should use a ruler to determine the length of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do an acrobatics routine each time it is tempted to use the flap.
If you're unsure of how to measure a door, it might be best to seek help from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work regularly. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and give you advice on the right size flap to buy.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark the outline of the hole on the door. This will provide you with an outline to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you money in the long run!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct position. 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.
It is best to delegate the job of installing the cat flap on glass doors to an experienced glazier. It may be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without you needing to leave him on his own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not good for your cat or you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may cause warranty issues.
These doors are generally designed to last and are tough, with insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, but it isn't easy to install a cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner prior to starting.
You'll need to take their height to ensure that they can fit through the door. This will be easiest if they are sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you've determined their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you have to be careful. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not however, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you can create your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, you can then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening, and it will not open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut out the design that was marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC door use. It will typically be marked with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and then open it, making sure that the flap moves smoothly. If it binds at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix this.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Be aware of any handles or other fixtures in the door, which must be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items during 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 issues. But, if your door is made of wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will increase the difficulty of the task.
It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs as it is important to get them done right to avoid potential issues in the future. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged, which could invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap and check if it opens and fits. If you notice any spots that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without issue. Make sure the flap is in a flush position with the door.
If your tool doesn't have a template, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Make four screw holes at each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to use to fix the flap to the door.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite material, it can be more challenging. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They should also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you're planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be messy and possibly dangerous job.
You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take great care not to damage the door or yourself, as it is very fragile. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to cut a hole in a door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood door.