Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat move around the house as it pleases is an excellent method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the home when required.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them inside the home when you're away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
It's important to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap as there are a variety of sizes available. This 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 may be unable to use it.
Use a ruler to take measurements of the width at various locations along the edge of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they want to use the flap!
Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door once you have the measurements. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will stop you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the future!
Make sure you make the hole in the right position. If you're installing the cat flap onto an outdoor door, it's important that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could cause leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door it is best to delegate this task to a glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want, without having to leave him on his own. It can also help to stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you own 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. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible prior to installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can be detrimental to warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat can access the door, you'll need determine their height. It's easier to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. This position can be outlined on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install the cat flap inside the pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming fragile. A Glazier is also able 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 however, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape is drawn on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the opening and stop it from being able to slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut out the design that was written on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC door use. It is usually identified with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it up against it and push it out to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed to install the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't have to deal with these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this can make the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged and could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to test whether it can be opened 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 is in line with the door.
Some kits come with templates for this, however, if it doesn't, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Lay the paper against the door and mark a line where you want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Make four screw holes at each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to fix the flap to the door.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If your door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If replacement upvc door panels with cat flap 're not experienced with this then it may be advisable to hire a professional to do the work for you. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable to install the cat flap.
You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and even dangerous.
You'll require an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself, as it's extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any kind of glass door is far more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid wood door.