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 physically active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without you having to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
You should take measurements of 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 upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or too small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Get a ruler and determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they need to use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it could be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work frequently. They should be able to assist you in determining whether not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next step to do is mark out the shape of the hole in the door. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making an error that will cost you money in the long run!
Make sure to put the hole in the right place. For example, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it's important that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass you could want to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into an existing glass pane and you might find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go as they please without you having to leave them alone. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Before you think about installing an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable with insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of doors, however it can be difficult to install the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat is able to pass through the door, you'll need to measure their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they don't sway around. Once you know their height you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into the metal may cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in the cat flap inside the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which will be less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not, you can make one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been drawn on the door, you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being capable of sliding open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut the shape that has been drawn on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will usually be identified with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut and the flap is placed against it and open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If upvc door panel cat flap becomes stuck at any point, use the filer or the rasp to fix this.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are on the door that have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects while cutting.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, so they won't be faced with these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, this can make the task.
It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. It is crucial to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap on to test whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap is in a flush position with the door.
Some kits include a template for this however, if it doesn't provide a template, you could make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate where the flap should be placed (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 will be the screw points you'll use to fit the flap into the correct position.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult a professional. They should also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it's important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first because any changes to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, be aware that this can be messy and possibly dangerous job.
For composite doors, you'll usually need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself since it's extremely fragile. It's important to remember that cutting a hole in any type of glass for a door is much more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.