Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house as it pleases is an excellent way 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 whenever it wants to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without opening the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet safe in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from entering.
It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap as there are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for the door you have. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or too small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Before you do anything however, you should use a ruler to take measurements of the width of the door in several places along its edge. Also, determine the door's height in a couple of places. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!
Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is mark the shape of the hole on the door. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will stop you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the long run!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct position. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the installation of the cat flap on glass doors to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to install the cat flap onto the glass pane and you could be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to come and go whenever they like without having to leave them to themselves. It also helps keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you think about installing the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer because alterations could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
They are designed to be durable and tough with insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other types of door, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before starting.
To ensure that your cat is able to access the door, you'll have to measure their height. This is easier if they are sleeping or calm, so that they don't move around too often. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you need to be careful. The process of drilling into metal could cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming fragile. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the cat flap, which will be less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap should come with a template drawing that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole should go. If back door with cat flap fitted doesn't, create your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut out the shape drawn on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will typically be identified with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut and the flap is placed against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Additionally, 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 the cat flap themselves have an ordinary solid uPVC door and will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, this can make the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is crucial to perform them correctly to avoid future problems. If you do it wrong, it could lead to the door being damaged, which could invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to check whether it opens and is able to fit. If you spot any areas that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is in line with the door.
If your kit doesn't include an example, you could use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to show 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, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These are the screw holes that you'll use to secure it in the correct position.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If the door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable for installing the cat flap.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be messy and could be dangerous.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It is important to note that it's more difficult to create the door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood door.