Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the home at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. A flap can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.
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 from entering.
You should examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it might be too small or large for your cat and he will have trouble using it.
Use a ruler to determine the width at several places along the edges of the door. You should also measure the height of the door in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do an exercise routine every time it wants to use the flap.
If you're unsure of how to measure a door, it might be best to ask for assistance from a glazier, or someone who does this kind of work frequently. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to purchase.
Once you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw out the shape of the hole in the door. This will help you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is best to leave the task of installing the cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to fit the cat flap onto the glass pane, and you may find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to come and go whenever they like without needing to leave them on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or you.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different, too. Before you consider fitting a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to weather than other types of doors, but it can be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner before beginning.
You'll need to determine the height of your child to ensure they pass through the door. This will be easiest when they're asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too often. Once you know their height you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. You can then mark this location on the door.
When using power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you have to be careful. The act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install a cat flap in a pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a circular 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 that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you could make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to sit properly in the opening and stop it from being able to slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut out the shape drawn on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will usually be marked with this information. If not, ask the staff in the DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut, place the flap section against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it binds at any point, you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix this.
Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that will have to be removed to install the cat flap. Be careful not to harm them during this process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't be faced with these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, this can make the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is crucial to do them correctly to avoid any future issues. It is important to get it right as doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap to check whether it opens and is able to fit. If you spot any areas which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and can be opened without issue. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could use a piece or thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Lay the paper against the door and draw an area on which you'll need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screw points you'll use to fit the flap into the right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's best to hire a professional. They can also determine if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is essential 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 decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
You'll need to use a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll require extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wood door.