Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house at will is a great way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for your cat to leave the home when required.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without having to open the door. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the home as well!
It is important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat may struggle to use it.
Get a ruler and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also determine the door's height in a few places. This is because the door that is too high can cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they want to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and advise you on the right size of flap you should purchase.
Mark out the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will aid you when you cut the hole, and will save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the right place. If you're installing an apex flap to the patio door, it is vital that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have a glass door it is best to delegate this task to a glazier. It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto 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 permits your pet to move around as they please without you having to leave them home to themselves. It can also help to stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!
If you do have a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These types of doors are often made with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.
They are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, but they may be difficult to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll need to determine their height. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you have their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside the glass pane. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not then you can create one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you could create your own by using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape has been drawn on the door, utilize your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure 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 cut out, place the flap section against it and then push it open to make sure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds on any points then you can use a file or a sandpaper to correct this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door that will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items during the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, it will make the job.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs because it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. If upvc door panels with cat flap RepairMyWindowsAndDoors do it wrong, it could cause the door to be damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Install the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap to see if it opens and fits. If you find any points that catch or stick or stick, you can file them down using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Be sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
If your kit doesn't include an example, you could use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place the paper against the door and draw an area on which you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to put it in the correct position.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If the door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer 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, keep in mind that it can be a messy job and could be dangerous.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This can be a dangerous task, and you'll require extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also important to note that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.