Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the house if needed.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect for keeping them in when you're home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
It is essential to measure the door before you buy a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or too large for your cat and he will struggle to use it.
Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too high will make your cat do an acrobatics routine each time it wants to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and help you decide on the size of flap to buy.
Draw the shape of the hole on the door once you have your measurements. This will help you when cutting the hole and save you money!
Make sure that you put holes in the right place. If you're installing a cat flap to an outdoor door, it's crucial that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the installation of the cat flap onto a glass door to an experienced glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around whenever they like without having to leave them on their own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't good for your cat as well as you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the installation is different. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and you have checked with the manufacturer because alterations could affect any warranties.
Generally speaking, image source of doors are built to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of doors, however it isn't easy to install the cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
To ensure that your cat can access the door, you'll need to determine their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you have their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire a glass installer when installing an e-cat flap on a pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming hard. A Glazier will also be able to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap should come with a drawing template that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole needs to be. If it doesn't, you can create one by using the thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape has already been penciled on the door, use your spirit level and ensure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to properly fit into the door and prevent it from being able to slide open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the design that was marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC door use. It is usually identified with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made, place the flap section against it and then open it, making sure that the flap is moving 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 within the door you'll be cutting into as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to fit the cat flap. You should be careful not to harm them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they will not have to face these issues. However, if your door is made from timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed then this will add to the complexity of the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is essential to perform them correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is essential to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've cut your hole, you can place the flap to check whether it opens and is able to fit. If you find any points that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and can be opened without issue. Be sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits include templates for this, but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper against the door and mark an area on which you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Make four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made 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. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite material, this can be more complicated. If you're not experienced with this then it may be wise to get a professional to handle the work for you. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you choose to do the work yourself, remember that this could be messy and dangerous task.
You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wood door.