Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to leave and enter the house whenever it wants is a great method to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them inside when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your house as well!
It is essential to take measurements of the door to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Take a ruler, and measure the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should determine the height of the door in a few spots. A door that is too tall will cause your cat to do an exercise routine every time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it may be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who is familiar with 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 purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw out the shape of the hole in the door. This will aid you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. For instance, if fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it is important that the hole isn't too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the task of installing the cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into an existing pane of glass and you might be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go as they please without you having to leave them home on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for your cat as well as you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is quite different too. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, however it can be difficult to install an animal flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
You'll need to take the height of your child to ensure they pass through the door. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier will also be capable of providing you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it does not then you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has already been penciled in on the door, you can use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the door, and it will not open or close.
Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and open it, making sure that the flap moves easily. If it is bound at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to fix this.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are in the door, which will need to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, it will make the job.
It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid possible issues in the future. It is crucial to get it right, as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made your hole cut, put the flap on to see if it fits and is able to open easily. If you notice any points which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit properly and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.
Some kits include an example of this, however, even if yours does not have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper against the door and draw a line where you will need to place the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using fitting a cat flap 've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these are the screw holes you'll use to fit it in place.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this, it might be advisable to hire an expert to complete the work for you. They can also determine if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, be aware that this can be messy and dangerous task.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than only 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, as it is extremely fragile. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.