Can you put a cat or dog flap in a composite door?
- 06 June 2019
- Doors
With just over a quarter of UK households owning a dog and a further 26% owning a cat, not knowing whether or not your beloved pet will be able to come and go in your house as they please is a common concern. As installers of an excellent range of composite doors, we’re asked whether they can be fitted with a cat or dog flap on a regular basis.
It is possible to fit either of them on a composite door; however, there are some important things to consider before you do this.
Fitting a dog or cat flap when composite doors are made
When you order a composite door from Droylsden Glass, it comes made-to-measure. Therefore, size, colour, glazing, furniture, etc., are all chosen by you before it’s sent off to the manufacturer to be built. So, by specifying if you’d like a cat or dog flap, this request will be sent off to the manufacturer, who will then incorporate it onto the door. Rockdoor, for example, fits their own on-site, and opting to have one installed during the manufacturing stage will ensure an airtight fit and will not void the door’s warranty.
However, when opting to have a cat flap fitted in our Safeguard composite doors, this will void their warranty. So, be sure to take this into account before proceeding.
Retrofitting a cat or dog flap to a composite door
If you already have a composite door and you’re thinking of retrofitting a dog/cat flap on it, there are several good reasons not to, such as:
- Any cat or dog flaps added to the door after it’s been installed will invalidate its warranty.
- Even if you’re an avid DIYer, retrofitting a cat or dog flap is not the most straightforward of jobs. It’s also essential for the opening to be properly sealed; otherwise, you will be losing heat from your home.
If you’re set on the idea of retrofitting, you might be better off fitting a dog or cat flap elsewhere on your property. They have been known to be fitted on conservatories, patio doors, and even external walls. However, be sure to check you’re not voiding any warranties if this is the route you intend to go down.
There are also some joiners who advertise this service, but make sure to do some thorough research on their credentials before hiring them for any work. Another option is to have a new composite door fitted instead.
Can you put a cat flap in a glass door?
If your door has glazing panels, which is common in both modern and traditional styles, then you may be wondering whether a cat flap can be fitted to your glass door. The answer is yes; they can be fitted to any door style as long as the glazed section is not in the way of it. You could also work around the glass section or choose to replace the glass with a cat flap.
Can I buy a composite door with a cat flap?
Yes, you can buy the composite door manufactured with a hole ready for the cat flap to be installed later.
Do cat flaps weaken composite doors?
Cat flaps do weaken composite doors. This is because a piece of the door’s structure has to be taken out to fit the cat flap.
Does a cat flap affect home insurance?
Cat flaps can affect home insurance. If you don’t ask your home insurer before installing the cat flap, it could invalidate your insurance because it makes the door less secure. Always ask your home insurer about cat flaps and how they could affect your home insurance.
Standard and premium composite doors installed in homes across Greater Manchester
We install standard composite doors and premium variants from Rockdoor, which are high-performance solutions for the front or back of a home. For a free, no-obligation quote on a composite door, contact us by calling 0161 292 1122, or you can get one online.
