Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to move around the house whenever it wants is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. 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 whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
You should measure the door to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or too large, and your cat may struggle to use it.
Before you take any action but take a ruler and measure the width of the door in various places along its edges. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who does this type of work often. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and advise you on what size flap to purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will aid you when you cut the hole and save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. For cat flap cover for winter , if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is best to leave the job of installing a cat flap on a glass door to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to come and go whenever they like without needing to leave them on their own. It can also help to stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the installation is different. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, however it can be difficult to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take their height to ensure that they can pass through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they don't move around. Once you know 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. This position can be marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into metal can cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside the glass pane. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming hard. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap will come with a template drawing that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole should go. If it doesn't, you could make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape has been penciled on the door, use your spirit level and make sure it's horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the opening and stop it from being able to slide open or closed.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut the shape drawn on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC door use. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once the hole is cut and the flap is placed against it and then open it, making sure that the flap moves smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or rasp to correct this.
Also, make sure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes inside the door that you will be cutting through since they could be damaged by your jigsaw. Be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door which have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items while cutting.
The majority of people who install the cat flap themselves have a 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 part that cannot be removed, this will complicate the task.
It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is important to get them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. Getting it wrong can cause the door to be damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap on to check if it fits and is able to open easily. If you find any points that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.
Some kits come with a template for this however, even if yours does not, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. 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). Draw four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screws will be used to secure the flap to the door.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite material, it can be more challenging. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire an expert. 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 consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this can be messy and dangerous task.
You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This is a risky task, and you'll need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is a lot more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid wooden door.