Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go from the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets 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 at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it ideal to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
You should measure the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it may be too large or small, and your cat could have difficulty using it.
Before you take any action, though, use a ruler to take measurements of the width of the door in several places along its edge. You should also take measurements of 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 want to use the flap!
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it may be best to seek help from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work frequently. They'll be able assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap, and advise you on the right size of flap to purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will assist you when cutting the hole and save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. If you're fitting an apex flap to an outdoor door, it's crucial that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door, it might be best to let this job to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you needing to leave him alone. It can also stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the installation is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, but it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't move around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. You can then mark this position on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you will need be cautious. The drilling process can make cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap into glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the cat flap, which is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap will come with a template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole will be. If cat flaps for french doors doesn't, make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening, and it will not open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the shape written on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC doors. It is usually marked with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole drilled and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound at any point, use a filer or a rasp to correct this.
Also, make sure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes inside the door you'll be cutting through, as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door which have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be cautious not to cause damage to these items during the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap themselves will have the standard 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 piece that is not easily removed, it will make the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is crucial to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. If you do it wrong, it could lead to the door being damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to check whether it will fit and opens easily. If you find any points that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Be sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits include templates for this, however, even if yours does not, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to fit it into place.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. If you are not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire a professional. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable to install a cat flap.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it's important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner prior to making any changes because any changes to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be a messy job and even dangerous.
When you have composite doors, you'll generally require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through 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 holes in door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood door.