Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go from the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for cats to leave the house if required.
Measure 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 a great method to keep your pet safe in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.
You should take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase 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 struggle to use it.
Get a ruler and determine the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high will cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They should be able to assist you in determining whether your door is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to buy.
Draw the outline of your hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making an error that will cost you money in the long run!
You must also ensure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.
If you have glass doors you could want to leave this task to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass 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 lets your pet come and go whenever they want, without needing to leave him all by himself. It can also help to stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer because alterations could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
These doors are generally designed to last and are tough with insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, but they can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat is able to get through the door, you'll have to determine their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. 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 should be. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you will need be extra cautious. The act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ a glass installer when installing a cat flap in a pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap will come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole should be. If it doesn't, you could create your own by with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). Once the shape has been drawn on the door you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it will not open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut out the shape that has been drawn on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC door use. It is usually labeled with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole cut out and the flap section is in place, put it against it and then push it open to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it binds at any point, use the filer or the rasp to fix this.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed in order to fit the cat flap and be cautious not to scratch them during this process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, this can make the task.
For these types of jobs, it's worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is important to do them correctly to avoid any future issues. It is important to get it right, as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to see whether it is able to open easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap is flush with the door too.
If your kit doesn't have an example, you could use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Place the paper against the door and mark a line where you will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these will be the screw points you'll use to fit it into place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this then it may be advisable to hire a professional to do the work for you. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you're planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
With cat flap double glazing , you'll usually need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door's panel rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this can be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take great care not to damage the door or yourself as it is extremely fragile. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wooden door.