Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house at will is an excellent method to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This is ideal for keeping them in the home when you're away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
It is important to take measurements of the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large for your cat and he will have trouble using it.
Before you do anything but take a ruler and measure the length of the door in several places along its edge. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast routine every time it wants to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can give you advice on the right size flap to purchase.
Draw the outline of your hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will help you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
Make sure to put the hole in the right place. For example, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass you could want to leave this task to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to insert a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you might be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to move around whenever they want without needing to leave them to themselves. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These types of doors are often made of different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is quite different too. Before you think about installing the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
These doors are typically designed to last and are tough, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, but they can be difficult to fit the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take the height of your child to make sure they pass through the door. This is easier if they are sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This position is marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. cat flap bifold doors is why it's highly advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap in glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap should come with a template drawing that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole will go. If it doesn't, you can create your own by with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been drawn on the door, use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure that you're 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 movement is smooth. If it is bound at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to fix this.
It is also important to ensure whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door you will be cutting into because they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Additionally, you should 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 careful not to damage them during this process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, it will make the job.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is crucial to get the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to test if it fits and is able to open easily. If you spot any areas that stick or catch to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit perfectly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap is perfectly flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't have templates, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. Lay the paper against the door and mark a line where you want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw points that you'll need to fix it in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult a professional. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable to install an animal flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and even dangerous.
With composite doors, you'll generally need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door's frame rather than just through the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll require extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It is important to note that it's much more difficult to cut the door glass than it is for a uPVC door or solid wood doors.