Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to move around the house at will is a great way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing accidents with toilets by making it easier for the cat to leave the home when necessary.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they'd like without needing to open the door. This is a great way to keep your pet safe in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests out of your.
It is essential to measure the door before you buy a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or small, and your cat could have difficulty using it.
Before you take any action however, you should take a ruler and measure the length of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. You should also take measurements of the height of the door in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they want to 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 performs this kind of work regularly. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap to purchase.
Mark out the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will help you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!
Make sure that you put the hole in the right location. For example, if you're installing the cat flap inside the patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the task of installing a cat flap on glass doors to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come whenever they want without having to leave them home on their own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not good for your cat or you.
If you do have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These types of doors are often made from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different, too. Before you decide to install the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it is compatible and you have checked with the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are made to be tough and durable with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other types of doors, but they can be difficult to fit the cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner prior to starting.
To ensure that your cat is able to pass through the door, you'll need to measure their height. This is easiest when they're asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know their height you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. This location can be marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire a glass installer when installing a cat flap in the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier is also 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
A high-quality cat flap will come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to be. If it doesn't, you could create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it will not open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the design that was written on the door. Make upvc cat flap door panels that you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked as such however, if not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it against it and then push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound at any point, you can use a filer or a rasp to remove it.
Also, make sure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes within the door you'll be cutting into because they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door which will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items during the process.
Most people who install the cat flap themselves have the standard solid uPVC door and won't have to deal with any of these problems. However, if your door is made of timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will increase the difficulty of the job.
It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is essential to do them done right to avoid potential problems in the future. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged, which could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Install the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to test whether it will fit and can be opened easily. If you find any points that catch or stick, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it is a perfect fit and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is in line with the door.
If your tool doesn't have a template, you can use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place the paper against the door and mark a line where you want to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes on every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to fix the flap in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite material, it can be more challenging. If you're unfamiliar with this, it might be wise to get a professional to do the job for you. They will also be able determine if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
It is possible to install a cat flap into composite doors. However, it's essential to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner before you do so because any changes to these doors could void the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, be aware that it can be messy and possibly dangerous task.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's also important to note that cutting a hole into any kind of glass door is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wooden door.