Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the home at their own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs 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 ideal to keep them in the house when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home too!
It's important to measure the door before you buy the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your door made of upvc. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or too small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Before you take any action, though, take a ruler and take measurements of the length of the door in several places along its edges. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few places. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they need to use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it may be best to seek help from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work frequently. They should be able to help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap to buy.
Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is mark the shape of the hole on the door. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the long run!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is best to leave the task of installing the cat flap onto glass doors to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to insert the cat flap onto the glass pane and you could 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 stop draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat as well as you.
If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors are often made with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it is compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be tough and durable with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, but they can be difficult to fit the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you have their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This location is marked on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be extra cautious. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage a glazier when installing your cat flap in the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming hard. A glazier will also be capable of providing you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not however, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it does not then you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). Once the shape has been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to be properly seated in the opening and stop it from being able to slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut the shape that has been marked on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and then open it to make sure the flap is moving smoothly. If it binds at any point, use a filer or rasp to correct this.
You should also check that there are no electric cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting through, since they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap and be careful not to damage them during the process.
cat flap double glazing who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door, and therefore will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this will complicate the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is important to perform them correctly to avoid problems in the future. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged and could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Install the Flap
After you've cut your hole, put the flap and check whether it opens and fits well. If you spot any areas that catch or stick or stick, you can file them down using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure that the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
Some kits come with a template for this but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and draw the area where you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to put it in the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. If the door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it's best to hire a professional. They will also be able inform you if the door is suitable to install an animal flap.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this can be messy and hazardous task.
You'll need to use a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll need to take extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.