Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go out of the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for cats 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. read this article is ideal for keeping them in when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
It is essential to examine the door's measurements to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures you get the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or too large and your cat will have trouble using it.
Before doing anything, though, take a ruler and measure the length of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. You should also measure the door's height in a couple of places. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they want to use the flap!
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it may be best to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who does this type of work often. They'll be able assist you in determining whether your door is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap you should purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the future!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it is important that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
If you have a glass door you could want to delegate this task to a glazier. It can be very tricky to insert the cat flap onto the glass pane and you could discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they like without needing to leave them on their own. It also helps stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can cause warranty issues.
These doors are typically designed to last and are tough, with insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of door, but it isn't easy to install the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll have to measure their height. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you've determined their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The drilling process can make cracks, particularly if the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside glass. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to crack and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not then you can create one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it isn't, you can make one using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). 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 your cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it won't slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the design that was written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole drilled and the flap section is in place, put it against it and then push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, use the filer or the rasp to correct this.
Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're planning to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. You should be careful not to harm them during this process.
Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, this could increase the difficulty of the task.
For these types of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is crucial to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to test if it fits and can be opened easily. If you find 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. Be sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits include an example of this, however, if it doesn't have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screw points that you'll need to use to fix the flap to the door.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If your door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the work for you. They should also be able to help you determine whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and could be dangerous.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will require extra care to not damage the door. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is a lot more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid wood door.