Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat move around the house whenever it wants is a great method to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to open the door. This makes it ideal for keeping them in the home when you're away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It is important to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or too large for your cat and he will struggle to use it.
Before you do anything, though, use a ruler to measure the length of the door in various locations along its edge. You should also measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they 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 is familiar with this kind of work frequently. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to buy.
Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the outline of the hole on the door. This will aid you when cutting the hole and save you money!
Make sure that you put the hole in the right place. If you're installing an apex flap to the patio door, it is crucial that the hole doesn't get too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the installation of a cat flap on a glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into an existing glass pane and you might be surprised to find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you having to leave him all by himself. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the installation is different. Before you decide to install an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer because alterations could invalidate any warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be tough and durable with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, but they can be a challenge to insert the cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner before starting.
To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll have to measure their height. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't move around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. This position is marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming fragile. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which will be less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not, you can make one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). Once the shape has been penciled on the door, you can utilize your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the shape written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut then place the flap against it and open it, making sure that the flap moves easily. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or a rasp to correct this.
It is also important to ensure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting into since they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door that have to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items in the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and so won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this can make the job.
For these types of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. It is important to get it right as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made your hole cut, put the flap on to see whether it opens easily. If you notice any points that catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits include templates for this, however, if it doesn't, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. 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). Make four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. cat flaps for french doors are the screw holes will be used to secure it in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If the door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be wise to get a professional to handle the work for you. They will also be able inform you if the door is suitable for installing a cat flap.
It is possible to install a cat flap into composite doors. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be messy and could be dangerous.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be extremely dangerous work and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself, as it's extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to make the door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.