Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house at will is an excellent method to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come at their own pace, without having to open the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
It's important to measure the door prior to when you buy the cat flap, as there are a variety of sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the proper size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too big or small and your cat might have difficulty using it.
Use a ruler to take measurements of the width at various locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They will be able to help you determine whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to buy.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw out the shape of the hole in the door. This will help you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
Make sure to put holes in the right position. For example, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is best to delegate the installation of a cat flap on glass doors to an experienced glazier. It can be a challenge to insert the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass, and you may be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they wish without needing to leave him on his own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not good for you or your cat.
If you do have 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. Before you consider fitting an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturer because alterations could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
They are designed to be durable and tough, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, however they can be a challenge to insert an animal flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before beginning.
You'll have to measure the height of your child to make sure they fit through the door. This is easier if they are asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. 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 be. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. A glazier will also be able to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not however, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can create your own by using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are perfect). Once the shape has been penciled on the door, you can utilize your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the opening and stop it from being able to slide open or closed.
Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the shape that has been marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC door use. It is usually marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole made, place the flap section against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it is bound at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed to fit the cat flap . You should be careful not to damage them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid uPVC door and so won't have to deal with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that cannot be removed, this will complicate the task.
For these types of jobs, it's worth getting expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to do them correctly to avoid future problems. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged, which could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Place the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, place the flap and check if it opens and fits. If you notice any spots that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap is flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't include a template, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or acetate. Lay the paper against 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 made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screw points that you'll use to secure the flap into place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're unfamiliar in this area, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the work for you. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can 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 types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, be aware that this can be a messy and potentially dangerous job.
You'll need a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This is a risky task, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid timber door.