Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go out of the home at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the home when required.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you having to open the door. This is a great method to keep your pet safe in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests out of your.
You should examine the door's measurements to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large for your cat and he will be unable to use it.
Before you take any action but use a ruler to take measurements of the width of the door in various places along its edge. You should also determine the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will help you decide on the size of flap to purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark the outline of the hole on the door. This will aid you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the correct place. If cat flap cover for winter are fitting the cat flap onto a patio door it is crucial that the hole doesn't reach too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have a glass door, it might be best to let this job to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around whenever they like without having to leave them on their own. It can also stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors are typically made from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. Before you consider fitting the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it is compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable and have insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other types of doors, however it can be difficult to install a cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner before starting.
You'll need to take their height in order to ensure they fit through the door. This is easier when they're asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too often. Once you have their height you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This location is marked on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in a cat flap in a pane. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming brittle. A glazier will also be able 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 not however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape has already been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap sits properly in the opening, and it will not slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole cut out then place the flap against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it binds on any point, then make use of a file or a rasp to fix this.
You should also check whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door that you will be cutting through, because they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door that must be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items during the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC door, and therefore will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is made of timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, this could make it more difficult to complete the task.
It is always worth seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid possible issues in the future. It is essential to get it right as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, place the flap to check whether it opens and fits well. If you notice any points that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to file them down until they are able to fit and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap is in line with the door.
If your kit doesn't include 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 an area on which you'll want to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screw points that you'll need to fix the flap to the door.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If the door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to determine if your door is suitable for the installation of the cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is important to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you choose to complete the task yourself, remember that it can be messy and hazardous task.
With composite doors, you'll generally require a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It is important to note that it's much more difficult to create holes in door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.