Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house at will is an excellent method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it perfect for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It's important to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or small and your cat might have trouble using it.
Before doing anything but take a ruler and determine the length of the door in various places along its edges. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it may be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who performs this type of work regularly. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on your door after you have taken your measurements. This will give you a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you money in the long run!
Make sure you make the hole in the correct location. If you're installing an apex flap to a patio door it is crucial that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door you could want to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto an existing glass pane and you might discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want, without having to leave him home on his own. It can also stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you consider fitting the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.
They are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, but they may be a challenge to insert an animal flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll have to measure their height. This is easier if they are asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you've determined their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This position can be marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in a cat flap in a pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which is less likely to crack and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap should come with a template that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole should be. If it doesn't, make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are perfect). Once the shape has been penciled on the door, utilize your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being capable of sliding open or close.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will typically be labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and then open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it is bound at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to fix this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Be aware of any handles or other fixtures that are on the door which must be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, so they won't be faced with these issues. If cat flap fitters is made of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, it will 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. It is essential to get it right as getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install upvc door panel with cat flap fitted
Once you've made your hole, place the flap and check whether it opens and fits. If you find any points that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door too.
Some kits include an example of this, but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could use a piece or thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place cat flap fitters on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Draw four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to use to fix the flap to the door.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for the installation of the cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be messy and could be dangerous.
With composite doors, you'll generally require a grinder or saw to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself since it is extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid timber door.