Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go from the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for the cat to leave the home when needed.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!
It is important to measure the door to ensure that you get the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the proper 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 may have trouble using it.
Use a ruler to measure the width at several places along the edges of the door. Also, you should determine the height of the door in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they want to use the flap!
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They will 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.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will assist you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
Make sure to put the hole in the right location. If you're installing a cat flap to a patio door it is important that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors, it might be best to leave this task to a glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they wish without having to leave him home alone. It also helps keep draughts out of your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!
If you do have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could be detrimental to warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be difficult to install the cat flap. If upvc door panel with cat flap fitted whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner before beginning.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll have to take a measurement of their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is made of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming hard. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This will be 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 ideal). If it does not then you can make one using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is a good choice). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening and will not slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such however, if not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole made, place the flap section against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
It is also important to ensure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door that you will be cutting through because they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that will have to be removed to install the cat flap. You should be cautious not to scratch them in the process.
Most people who install the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door and will not be dealing with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will increase the difficulty of the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's important to get advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is crucial to do them correctly to avoid future problems. It is crucial to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, put the flap to check whether it opens and fits well. If you notice any points which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits include templates for this, but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They can also help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be messy and could be dangerous.
With composite doors, you'll typically require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than simply through the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll have to be extra careful to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.