Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat move around the house at will is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go as they please without opening the door for them. This is ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
It is important to measure the door before you buy the cat flap, as there are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large and your cat will struggle to use it.
Before you do anything, though, take a ruler and measure the length of the door in several places along its edge. You should also determine the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it may be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this kind of work regularly. They'll be able assist you in determining whether your door is suitable for a cat flap, and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to purchase.
Draw the shape of the hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will aid you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, it's important that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is recommended to leave the installation of the cat flap on glass doors to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. It is also possible that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you needing to leave him on his own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat or you.
If you do have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before you install the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can be detrimental to warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door will accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need determine their height. It's easier to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you know their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. You can then mark this position on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you have to be careful. The process of drilling into metal could cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap in glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. A Glazier will also be 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 then you can create one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you can make one using the thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape has already been penciled on the door, you can utilize your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, use cat flap in bifold doors to cut out the design that is on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will typically be labeled with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds on any points then you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix this.
It is also important to ensure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes within the door you'll be cutting through, since they could be damaged by your jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles or other fixtures that are on the door which must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, it will make the job.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs since it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged, which could invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap in place to test whether it will fit and opens easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they are able to fit and open without any problems. Be sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, but even if yours doesn't, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Make four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screw points that you'll need to use to fix it in place.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it might be wise to get an expert to complete the job for you. They can also advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
It is possible to install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential 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 complete the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.
When you have composite doors, you'll usually require a grinder or saw to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to create holes in door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood door.