Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the home at its own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the house if necessary.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This is ideal to keep them inside when you're home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!
It is essential to measure the door before you buy a cat flap since there are various sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large and your cat will be unable to use it.
Before doing anything, though, use a ruler to determine the length of the door in several places along its edges. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. cat flap in upvc door panel that is too tall can cause your cat to perform a gymnast routine every time it wants to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on your door once you have your measurements. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will stop you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the long run!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. If you are fitting a cat flap to an outdoor door, it's crucial that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors it is best to delegate this task to a glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come whenever they want without having to leave them alone. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't healthy for you or your cat.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different, too. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, but it can be difficult to install a cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. This is easiest if they are sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. 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 needs to be. This position can be marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, particularly when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire a glass installer when installing a cat flap in a pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap will 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 make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape has been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level and make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it will not open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the design that was written on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole cut out and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a file or rasp to fix it.
It is also important to ensure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes within the door you'll be cutting through, as they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fittings on the door that will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items while cutting.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't be faced with these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, this can make the job.
It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is essential to do them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. It is important to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to see whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Draw four screw holes on every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screw points that will be used to secure it in place.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If the door is made of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar in this area, it might be wise to get a professional to handle the job for you. They will also be able determine if your door is suitable for installing an animal flap.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors, but it is important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and could be dangerous.
When you have composite doors, you'll usually need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame rather than simply through the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself, as it's extremely fragile. my review here to remember that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid wood door.