Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house whenever it wants is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for the cat to leave the home when needed.
Take doors with cat flap of the door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without having to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house when you're home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It is essential to take measurements of the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too large or small, and your cat could have difficulty using it.
Before you do anything but take a ruler and determine the width of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. You should also determine the height of the door in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it may be best to ask for assistance from a glazier, or someone who does this kind of work frequently. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
Mark out the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will stop you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the end!
You must also ensure that the hole you're making is in the right place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on a patio door, it is important that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass, it might be best to leave this task to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to insert the cat flap onto an existing glass pane and you could be surprised to find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without you having to leave them home on their own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't good for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of doors, however it can be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner prior to starting.
You'll need to determine their height to make sure they fit through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you've established their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This position can be marked on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install a cat flap in a pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. 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 more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not however, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could create your own by with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut out the design that was written on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will usually be marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it binds at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to fix this.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage them during this process.
Most people who install the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these problems. But, if your door is constructed of wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed then this will add to the complexity of the task.
For these types of jobs, it is important to get advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. It is important to get it right as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap on to check if it fits and can be opened easily. If you notice any points that catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit perfectly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is in line with the door.
If your tool doesn't have templates, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Lay the paper against 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 drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to put the flap into the right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If the door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
It is possible to install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so since any modifications to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and may even be hazardous.
When you have composite doors, you'll usually need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's also important to note that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same change in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.