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 engaged. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come whenever they want without opening the door for them. This is ideal to keep them in the house when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It is essential 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 right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or too large, and your cat may have trouble using it.
Use a ruler to measure the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. This is because doors that are too high will cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it could be best to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who performs this type of work frequently. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can advise you on what size flap to purchase.
Draw the shape of the hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will aid you when you're cutting the hole and save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the right place. For example, if you're installing the cat flap inside the patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors you could want to delegate this task to a glazier. It can be a challenge to insert a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass, and you may discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want, without having to leave him all by himself. cat flaps for french doors stops draughts from entering your home, which is not healthy for your cat or you.
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the installation is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may cause warranty issues.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are made to be durable and tough with insulation included. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, however it isn't easy to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take their height to ensure they pass through the door. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you've established their height, you can measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. You can then mark this position on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you will need to be careful. The process of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap in glass. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide 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 quality cat flap should come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole will be. If it doesn't, you can create your own by with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). Once the shape has been penciled on the door, use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it won't slide open or close.
Then, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC door use. It is usually identified with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made then place the flap against it and open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
Check that there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have 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 a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these issues. However, if your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will add to the complexity of the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is essential to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap to see if it opens and fits. If you find any points that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is perfectly flush with the door.
If your tool doesn't have a template, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. upvc cat flap door panels are the screw holes you'll need to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If the door is made of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to do the work for you. They can also advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can fit a cat flap into composite doors. However, it's essential to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first since any modifications to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be messy and may even be hazardous.
With composite doors, you'll usually need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door's panel rather than simply through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to cut the door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood door.