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 mentally and physically active. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the house if needed.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go at their own pace, without having to open the door for them. This makes it ideal for keeping them in the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests from the home too!
It's important to measure the door before you buy a cat flap as there are various sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too big or small, and your cat could have trouble using it.
Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high could cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They will 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.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw out the shape of the hole in the door. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the end!
Make sure to put the hole in the right place. If you're installing an apex flap to the patio door, it is vital that the hole doesn't reach too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors it is best to let this job to a glazier. It can be difficult to insert the cat flap onto an existing glass pane, and you may find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around whenever they like without having to leave them home on their own. It can also stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These types of doors are typically made of different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.
These doors are typically designed to last and are tough and have insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of doors, however it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take their height in order to make sure they pass through the door. This will be easiest when they're sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too often. Once you've established their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This position can be outlined on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into the metal may cause it to crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap into glass. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This is less likely to break and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap will come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the area on your door where the hole needs to be. If it doesn't, you can create your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is drawn on the door you can then use a spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to properly fit into the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut the shape written on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole cut out then place the flap against it and then push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If doors with cat flap binds at any point, use a filer or rasp to remove it.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're going to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects while cutting.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, so they will not have to face these issues. However, if your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, this could increase the difficulty of the job.
For these types of jobs, it is worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is important to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. It is crucial to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've cut your hole, place the flap and check whether it opens and fits. If you find any points that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without issue. Make sure the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes at each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screw holes you'll need to use to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult a professional. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be a messy and potentially hazardous task.
With composite doors, you'll generally need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than just through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole in any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid wood door.