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 reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the house when needed.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This is a great method to keep your pet safe in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from entering.
It's important to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. cat flaps ensures that you get the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large and your cat will struggle to use it.
Before you do anything however, you should use a ruler to determine the width of the door in various places along its edges. You should also determine the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too tall can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to purchase.
Draw the outline of your hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the end!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. If you are fitting a cat flap to the patio door, it is crucial that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors, it might be best to let this job to a 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 lets your pet come and go whenever they wish without having to leave him all by himself. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not good for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the installation is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are made to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of doors, however it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll need to take a measurement of their height. This is easier if they are asleep or calm so that they don't move around too often. Once you know their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. This location can be outlined on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you need to be careful. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ a glass installer when installing the cat flap inside the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap comes with a drawing template that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole should be. If it doesn't, you can make one using the thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). Once the shape has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening, and it will not open or close.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC door use. It will typically be identified with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and then open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a file or rasp to fix this.
Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're planning to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to make room for the cat flap and be careful not to harm them during this process.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and won't have to deal with any of these problems. However, if your door is made from wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed then this will add to the complexity of the job.
For these types of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is crucial to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. If cat flap fitters do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to see whether it will fit and opens easily. If you notice any points which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper against the door and mark an area on which you'll need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to put it in the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. If your door is made of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're not experienced in this area, it might be wise to get a professional to do the job for you. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can install the cat flap onto composite doors. However, it's essential to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first because any changes to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, remember that it can be a messy and potentially hazardous task.
You'll need to use a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take great care not to damage the door or yourself, as it is very fragile. It's important to remember that cutting a hole in any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid wood door.