Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the home at their own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for the cat to leave the house when needed.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without you having to open the door. This is a great method to keep your pet in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.
It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap since there are various sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it may be too large or too small and your cat may have trouble using 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 spots. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it could be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work frequently. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or 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 once you have your measurements. This will assist you when cutting the hole, and will save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the right position. If cat flap cost fitting the cat flap onto a patio door it is crucial that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could cause leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors it is best to let this job to a glazier. It can be difficult to insert a cat flap inside the glass pane and you might find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to go and come whenever they want without having to leave them home on their own. It can also stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These kinds of doors are typically made with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is quite different too. Before you decide to install an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install an animal flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need to measure their height. It's easier to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you know their height you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. This location can be outlined on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This is less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap should come with a template that can be used to mark the spot on your door where the hole should go. If it does not then you can make one using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape is drawn on the door, then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and won't slide open or close.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap against it and then push it open to make sure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it binds at any point, use a filer or rasp to correct this.
You should also check that there are no electric cables or gas pipes inside the door you will be cutting into because they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures in the door, which must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they will not have to face these problems. But, if your door is constructed of wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed then this will make it more difficult to complete the task.
It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is important to get them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. It is essential to do it right because getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to see if it fits and can be opened easily. If you notice any points that stick or catch to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit perfectly and can be opened without issue. Make sure that the flap is perfectly flush with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, however, even if yours does not 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 the area where 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, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these will be the screw points you'll use to fit the flap into place.
The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite, it can be more challenging. If you're not comfortable with this, it is best to hire a professional. They can also help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid wooden door.