Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing upvc door panels cat flap to leave and enter the house whenever it wants is a great way to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. A flap can 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 opening the door for them. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are various 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 too small and your cat may be unable to use it.
Before you do anything however, you should take a ruler and measure the length of the door in various locations along its edge. You should also measure the height of the door in a few places. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and can help you decide on the size of flap you should purchase.
Mark out the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will help you when you're cutting the hole and save you money!
Make sure you make holes in the right position. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have a glass door you could want to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without you needing to leave him alone. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat or you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may be detrimental to warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat is able to access the door, you'll need to determine their height. This will be easiest when they're asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too often. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This location can be outlined on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal can cause it to crack, especially if the area is toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an experienced glass installer to install the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and 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 doesn't, you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to be properly seated in the door and prevent it from being able to slide open or closed.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will usually be marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut, place the flap section against it and then open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it is bound on any point, then make use of a file or a rasp to correct this.
It is also important to ensure that there are no electric gas or cable lines within the door you'll be cutting through, as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fittings on the door which will need to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items in the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door and won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, this will complicate the task.
It is always worth seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Install the Flap
After you've made your hole cut, put the flap on to check whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you find any points which 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. Make sure the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
Some kits include a template for this however, even if yours does not have a template, you can use a piece or thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Lay the paper against the door and draw a line where you need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screw points that you'll use to secure it in the right position.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. But, if your door is made from GRP or a composite, it can be more challenging. If you're not familiar with this, it is best to hire a professional. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable for the installation of a cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. upvc door panels cat flap is a risky task, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's important to remember that it's much more difficult to make a hole in a door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.