Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to move around the house as it pleases is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them in the house the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It is essential to take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large for your cat and he will have trouble using it.
Before you take any action but use a ruler to determine the width of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high will cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap to purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will aid you when cutting the hole and save you money!
Make sure to put holes in the right position. If you're installing a cat flap to a patio door it is crucial that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors it is best to let this job to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure window cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want, without having to leave him home all by himself. It can also stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!
If you do have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These kinds of doors are typically made of different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.
They are designed to be tough and durable with insulation. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other types of doors, but they can be difficult to fit the cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure their height to make sure they fit through the door. This is 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 between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. This position can be outlined on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you have be cautious. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap into the glass pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to crack and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not, you can make one yourself by using a piece of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it isn't, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, you can then use a spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being able to slide open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut out the shape that has been drawn on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut then place the flap against it and then open it to make sure the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix this.
Also, make sure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door that you will be cutting through as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that will have to be removed to install the cat flap. You should 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 front door, which means they won't be faced with these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative part that is not easily removed, it will make the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it's important to get advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to perform them correctly to avoid problems in the future. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged, which could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to check whether it will fit and opens easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit perfectly and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
If your kit doesn't have templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Place 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, draw four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these are the screw holes that you'll use to secure it in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite then it can be more challenging. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to hire an expert. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first because any changes to these types of doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, be aware that this can be messy and dangerous job.
For composite doors, 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 could be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself, as it is extremely fragile. It's important to remember that it is much more difficult to cut the door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood doors.