Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to leave and enter the house as it pleases is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come whenever they want without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them in the house the home when you're away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home too!
It is important to measure the door to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it might be too small or large for your cat and he will have trouble using it.
Before you do anything, though, take a ruler and take measurements of the length of the door in a variety of places along its edges. Also, measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and help you decide on the size of flap to purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is mark the outline of the hole on the door. This will assist 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 fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door it is best to let this job to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to insert a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you might be surprised to find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to move around as they please without you needing to leave them to themselves. 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 could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you consider fitting an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible, and you have checked with the manufacturer because alterations could affect any warranties.
These doors are typically designed to last and are tough with insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, but they can be difficult to fit an animal flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat can access the door, you'll need to determine their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they aren't moving around. 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 flap's bottom. You can then mark this spot on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap into the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming hard. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which is less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not, you can make one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If find more info isn't, you can create one by using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door, then use your spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to properly fit into the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut the design that was drawn on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will usually be marked with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole cut out and the flap section is in place, put it against it and then push it open to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
Also, make sure that there are no electric gas or cable lines within the door you will be cutting into because they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them during the process.
Most people who fit the cat flap themselves 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 an ornamental panel that can't be removed, this could add to the complexity of the task.
For these types of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. It is crucial to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to see if it fits and can be opened easily. If you notice any points that stick or catch to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits include a template for this but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these will be the screw points you'll use to put the flap into place.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it might be wise to get an expert to complete the work for you. They should also be able to advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can install the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these types of doors could invalidate the warranty. If you choose to do the work yourself, remember that this could be a messy and potentially dangerous job.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It is important to note that it's much more difficult to create holes in door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood door.