Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. A flap can help reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the house when required.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
It is essential to examine the door's measurements to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too large or small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Take a ruler, and take measurements of the width at various places along the edges of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the height of the door in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and help you decide on the size of flap to purchase.
Draw the shape of the hole on the door once you have your measurements. This will give you a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making an error that will cost you money in the end!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct location. For example, if you're installing the cat flap on a patio door, it is important that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass, it might be best to let this job to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to leave him alone. It also helps keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.
They are designed to last and are tough and have insulation. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, however it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
You'll need to take their height to make sure they fit through the door. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too often. Once you know their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. Then, you can mark this position on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire a glass installer when installing the cat flap inside a pane. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A glazier will 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
If not however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it isn't, you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). Once the shape has been drawn on the door, use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to properly fit into the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or closed.
Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It is usually marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it up against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're planning to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Be aware of any handles, or other fittings on the door which will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects during the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is made from wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will increase the difficulty of the task.
For these types of jobs, it is important to get guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is crucial to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. It is essential to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap on to test whether it can be opened easily. If you notice any points which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit perfectly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, however, even if yours does not, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper against the door and mark the area where you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screw points that you'll need to fix the flap to the door.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is best to hire a professional. They can also determine if your door is suitable for installing the cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, remember that this could be messy and dangerous job.
back door with cat flap fitted 'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. This is a risky task, and you'll have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to cut the door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood door.