Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house at will is a great way to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for the cat to leave the home when necessary.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them inside when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It is essential to examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your door made of upvc. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small and your cat may have difficulty using it.
Before you take any action but use a ruler to measure the length of the door in various places along its edges. You should also measure the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too tall will cause your cat to do a gymnast routine every time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be best to ask for assistance from a glazier or someone who performs this kind of work regularly. They'll be able help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and advise you on the right size of flap to buy.
Draw the outline of the hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will assist you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, you must ensure that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is best to delegate the task of installing the cat flap onto the glass door to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to fit a cat flap into the glass pane 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 go and come as they please without you having to leave them home on their own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat as well as you.
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can be detrimental to warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be durable and tough with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other types of doors, however they can be difficult to fit the 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 jointer prior to starting.
You'll have to measure their height in order to make sure they fit through the door. This is easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. 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 be. This position can be marked on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. upvc door panel cat flap of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire a glass installer when installing the cat flap inside a pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming hard. A Glazier will also be 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 high-quality cat flap will come with a drawing template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole should be. If it does not then you can make one using the thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door, you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it will not open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut out the shape marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC door use. It is usually labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole drilled then place the flap against it and then push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound at any point, use a filer or a rasp to remove it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed to make room for the cat flap and be cautious not to scratch them in the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these problems. If your door is made from wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, this could add to the complexity of the job.
upvc door panel cat flap is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs since it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. It is essential to get it right as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap on to test if it fits and is able to open easily. 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 correctly and opens with no issues. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits come with templates for this, however, if it doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to put it into 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 are not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable for installing an animal flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you choose to carry out the work yourself, remember that this could be messy and dangerous job.
For composite doors, you'll typically require a grinder or saw to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be aware that this could be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It's important to remember that it's much more difficult to cut holes in door glass than it is for a uPVC door or solid wood doors.