Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house as it pleases is a great way to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the house if required.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without having to open the door. This is ideal to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
It is essential to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it may be too large or too small and your cat may be unable to use it.
Before you take any action but use a ruler to measure the width of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and can help you decide on the size of flap to purchase.
Draw the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will aid you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the right place. If you are fitting an apex flap to an outdoor door, it's important that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors it is best to let this job to a glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap inside the 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 to go and come whenever they want without having to leave them on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't healthy for your cat as well as you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you decide to install an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
In general, these kinds of doors are built to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you know their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. You can then mark this spot on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire a glass installer when installing an e-cat flap on the pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming fragile. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This is less likely to break and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap should come with a drawing template that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to be. If it does not then you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has been penciled on the door, utilize your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it will not slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the shape marked on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC door use. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. After the hole has been cut then place the flap against it and then open it, making sure that the flap moves easily. If it binds on any points then use a file or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them during this process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door and 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 can make the task.
For these types of jobs, it is worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is crucial to do them correctly to avoid problems in the future. If you do it wrong, it could cause the door to be damaged and could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've cut your hole, you can place the flap and check if it opens and is able to fit. If you spot any areas that stick or 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 is aligned with the door.
Some kits come with a template for this but even if yours doesn't, you can use a piece or 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). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These are the screw holes you'll use to put it in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this then it may be advisable to hire an expert to complete the job for you. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors but it's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first because any changes to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that it can be messy and possibly dangerous job.
window with cat flap 'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll have to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself, as it's extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid wooden door.