Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to move around the house at will is an excellent method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without you having to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests from the home too!
It is important to measure the door before you buy a cat flap as there are different sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large for your cat and he will struggle to use it.
Before doing anything, though, take a ruler and determine the width of the door in various locations along its edge. You should also determine the door's height in a couple of places. This is because the door that is too high can cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be best to seek help from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work regularly. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and advise you on what size flap to buy.
Draw the shape of the hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will assist you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. If you are fitting the cat flap onto a patio door it is vital that the hole doesn't reach too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass you could want to leave this task to a glazier. It can be very tricky to fit the cat flap onto an existing glass pane, and you may find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without you having to leave him home on his own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat as well as you.
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the process of installing them is different. Before you think about installing an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.
These doors are generally designed to last and are tough, with insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, but it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure their height in order to make sure they pass through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they aren't moving around. Once you've determined their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. This position can be outlined on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap in glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap will come with a drawing template that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole needs to go. If it doesn't, you could create your own by with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape has already been penciled in on the door, you can use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being able to slide open or closed.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut the shape marked on the door. Make visit the website that you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole made, place the flap section up against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix this.
You should also check whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes inside the door you'll be cutting through since they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fixtures in the door, which have to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to cause damage to these items in the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC door and will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that isn't easily removed, this can make the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it is important to get advice from a cat flap fitter. It is important to do them correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged and could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap on to test if it fits and can be opened easily. If you notice any spots that catch or stick, file them down with the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap is in line with the door.
If your kit doesn't include an example, you could make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Place the paper against the door and draw an area on which you'll will need to place the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to put the flap into the right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite, this may be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this then it may be advisable to hire an expert to complete the job for you. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, you need to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you choose to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be messy and possibly dangerous task.
You'll need an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself since it is extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to create holes in door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood doors.