Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house as it pleases is an excellent method to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing accidents with toilets by making it easier for cats to leave the home when necessary.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it perfect for keeping them in the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!
It is important to measure the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or too large, and your cat may have trouble using it.
Use a ruler to take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it may be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who is familiar with this kind of work regularly. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and give you advice on the right size flap to buy.
Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark the shape of the hole on the door. This will aid you when cutting the hole and save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. For instance, if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the task of installing the cat flap on a glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to move around whenever they like without having to leave them alone. It can also help to stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for either 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 way they are installed is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may cause warranty issues.
These doors are generally designed to last and are tough with insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, but they may be difficult to install a cat flap into. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional jointer prior to starting.
You'll need to take their height to ensure that they can pass through the door. This is easier 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 stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. Then, you can mark this location 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. The drilling process can make it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's highly advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming hard. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, create your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been drawn on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape 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 If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole cut out and the flap section is in place, put it up against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it is bound at any point, you can use a filer or a rasp to fix this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them during the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this will complicate the job.
For these types of jobs, it is important to get advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is essential to perform them correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged, which could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to see whether it opens and fits well. If you notice any points that catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they are able to fit and open without any problems. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits come with a template for this however, if it doesn't, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screws you'll need to use to fix the flap in place.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. 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 the installation of the cat flap.
It is possible to 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 invalidate the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, remember that this can be messy and hazardous task.
When you have composite doors, you'll usually need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself since it is very fragile. It's important to remember that it's much more difficult to create the door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood door.