Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to leave and enter the house at will is an excellent way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for the cat to leave the house when necessary.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This is ideal to keep them in the house the home when you're away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the home as well!
It's important to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap as there are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it could be too large or too small, and your cat could have trouble using it.
Before you take any action however, you should take a ruler and take measurements of the length of the door in several locations along its edge. Also, determine cat flap in bifold doors in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.
Draw the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken your measurements. This will aid you when cutting the hole and save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. For example, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors you could want to leave this task to a glazier. It can be very tricky to fit the cat flap onto an existing glass pane and you might be surprised to find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around whenever they like without having to leave them to themselves. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made 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 you install the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
These doors are generally designed to last and are tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert an animal flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
You'll have to measure the height of your child to ensure that they can pass through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they don't move around. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. You can then mark this spot on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be extra cautious. The process of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage a glazier when installing your cat flap in the glass pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also be able to provide you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap comes with a drawing template that can be used to mark the spot on your door where the hole should be. If it doesn't, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level and 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 design that is on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be labelled accordingly If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. After the hole has been cut then place the flap against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves easily. If it is bound at any point, you can use a filer or a rasp to fix this.
Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to make room for the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid uPVC door and won't have to deal with any of these issues. However, if your door is made from wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed then this will make it more difficult to complete the job.
It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is crucial to get them done right to avoid potential problems in the future. It is important to do it right because getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've made your hole cut, put the flap in place to see whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you notice any points which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.
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 draw a line where you will need to place the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these are the screw holes you'll use to fit the flap into the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite material, this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this, it might be wise to get a professional to handle the work for you. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for installing the cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, remember that this could be messy and possibly dangerous job.
You'll need a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to make a hole in a door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood door.