Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. A flap can aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you having to open the door. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It is essential to take measurements of the door to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits into your upvc door, otherwise, it might be too small or large for your cat and he will have trouble using it.
Use a ruler to measure the width at several locations along the edge of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they use the flap!
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it may be a good idea to seek help from a glazier or someone who does this type of work frequently. They will be able to help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken your measurements. This will provide you with an outline to cutting the hole and will stop you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the long run!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. If you're installing the cat flap onto an outdoor door, it's vital that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door, it might be best to leave this task to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to insert a cat flap inside an existing glass pane and you could find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure double glazing cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want, without having to leave him alone. It can also help to stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. more resources of doors are typically made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Before you think about installing an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable with insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, however they can be difficult to fit an animal flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take their height to ensure they pass through the door. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you have their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. Then, you can mark this position on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal can cause it to crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming fragile. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap will come with a drawing template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole will go. If it isn't, you can create one by using the thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape is pencilled in on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being in a position to slide open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will usually be identified with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use a file or rasp to fix this.
Also, make sure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes inside the door you'll be cutting through since they could be damaged by your jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles or other fixtures in the door, which must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items in the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door and will not be dealing with any of these issues. However, if your door is made from wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will increase the difficulty of the task.
It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs since it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and could invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to see if it fits and is able to open easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using an sandpaper or hand file until it is a perfect fit and opens without issue. Make sure the flap is perfectly flush with the door.
Some kits include templates 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 in order to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These are the screw holes that you'll use to secure the flap into place.
The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. If the door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can install the cat flap onto composite doors but it's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first since any modifications to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be messy and could be dangerous.
You'll need to use a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. Be aware that this could be very dangerous and you'll need to take great care not to harm the door or yourself, as it is extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is much more difficult than making the same change in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.