Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house if required.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without having to open the door. This is ideal for keeping them in the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your house as well!
It is important to measure the door to ensure that you get the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures you get the right size to fit inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it could be too small or large for your cat and he will be unable to use it.
Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. Also, you should measure the height of the door in a few spots. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do an acrobatics routine each time it wants to use the flap.
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it may be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this type of work often. They can determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door once you have the measurements. This will give you a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you money in the end!
Make sure that you put the hole in the right position. If you are fitting the cat flap onto a patio door it is important that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or problems with the seal.
It is best to leave the task of installing the cat flap on glass doors to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap into an existing pane of glass and you might be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want, without needing to leave him all by himself. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't beneficial for you or your cat.
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if the door is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may be detrimental to warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be tough and durable with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert the cat flap. If how much to install a cat flap whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional jointer prior to starting.
To ensure that your cat is able to pass through the door, you'll need measure their height. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they aren't moving around. Once you've determined their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. Then, you can mark this position on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming fragile. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not then you can create one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If how much to install a cat flap doesn't, create your own by using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been drawn on the door you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to be properly seated in the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or close.
Then, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be labelled accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made, place the flap section against it and then open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it binds at any point, use a file or rasp to fix this.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them in the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, this will complicate the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it is worth getting expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. back door with cat flap fitted is crucial to do them correctly to avoid future problems. It is essential to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to test whether it is able to open easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using an sandpaper or hand file until it is a perfect fit and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap is in a flush position with the door.
If your kit doesn't have a template, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screw points that you'll use to secure it into place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is made of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this, it might be beneficial to engage an expert to complete the job for you. They should also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be a messy job and even dangerous.
When you have composite doors, you'll usually need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame rather than just through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to make a hole in a door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood doors.