Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. A flap can aid in reducing accidents with toilets by making it easier for cats to leave the house if required.
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 a cat flap as there are different sizes available. This ensures that you get the right size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat may have trouble using it.
Use a ruler to take measurements of the width at various places along the edges of the door. Also, determine the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too tall will cause your cat to do an acrobatics routine each time it is tempted to use the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it may be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this type of work often. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can help you decide on the size of flap to buy.
Once you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark the shape of the hole in the door. This will assist you when you cut the hole, and will save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. For instance, if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, you must ensure that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is best to leave the task of installing the cat flap on glass doors to an experienced glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you could discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure cat flap installer permits your pet to move around as they please without you having to leave them alone. It can also stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be durable and tough, with insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before starting.
To ensure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need measure their height. This will be easiest when they're sleeping 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.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be cautious. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install an e-cat flap on the pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming hard. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap should come with a drawing template that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole should be. If it doesn't, you can create your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door, you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening and won't slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will typically be marked with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut, place the flap section against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves easily. If it is bound at any point, use a filer or a rasp to correct this.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that must be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be cautious not to cause damage to these items in the process.
Most people who fit the cat flap themselves have the standard solid uPVC door and will not have to worry about any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, this will complicate the task.
It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs because it is crucial to get them done right to avoid potential problems in the future. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged and could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've made your hole, put the flap to check if it opens and fits. If you find any points that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens without any problems. Make sure that the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
Some kits include templates for this, however, if it doesn't, you can use a piece or thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Lay the paper against the door and mark an area on which you'll will need to place the flap (this will serve as 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 are the screw holes that you'll use to secure the flap into 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 comfortable with this, it's best to hire an expert. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable to install the cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, you need to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you choose to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be messy and possibly hazardous task.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's important to remember that it is much more difficult to create holes in door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood door.