Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house as it pleases is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without opening the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.
You should take measurements of the door to ensure that you get the right size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the right size to fit inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it could be too small or large for your cat and he will be unable to use it.
Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various locations along the edge of the door. You should also take measurements of the height of the door in a few places. This is because doors that are too high will cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it could be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work frequently. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best 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 outline to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. If you are fitting a cat flap to a patio door it is vital that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors, it might be best to leave this task to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap inside an existing 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 allows your pet to move around as they please without you having to leave them on their own. It also helps keep draughts out of your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in the 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 before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.
These doors are generally designed to be durable and tough with insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other types of doors, however it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before starting.
To ensure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need to determine their height. This is easiest when they're asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you've determined their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. This location is marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap will come with a template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole needs to go. If it isn't, you can make one 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 shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to be properly seated in the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or closed.
Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the shape marked on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC door use. It will typically be identified with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and then open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck on any point, then make use of a file or a rasp to fix this.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Be aware of any handles, or other fittings on the door which will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to cause damage to these items in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is made from timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed then this will add to the complexity of the job.
It is always worth seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. 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
Once you've made your hole, place the flap to see if it opens and fits. If you notice any spots that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
Some kits include an example of this, however, even if yours does not have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and mark the area where 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 screws that you'll use to secure it into place.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If the door is made of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire a professional. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable for installing an animal flap.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors, but it is important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
When you have composite doors, you'll typically require a grinder or saw to cut through the door's frame instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be window cat flap that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll have to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself, as it is extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to create a hole in a door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.