Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets 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'd like without needing to open the door. This is a great method to keep your pet inside the house when you're away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from getting into your.
It is important to measure the door prior to when you buy the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too large or small and your cat might have trouble using it.
Before doing anything but take a ruler and measure the length of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. You should also measure the height of the door in a few places. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an acrobatics routine each time it is tempted to use the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this type of work often. They should be able to assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap, and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the long run!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct location. If you're fitting the cat flap onto a patio door it is important that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
It is best to leave the task of installing the cat flap onto glass doors to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap inside the glass pane and you could be surprised to find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they like without having to leave them to themselves. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it is compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturers as alterations may affect any warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be tough and durable with insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of door, but it can be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
You'll need to determine their height to ensure they pass through the door. This is easier when they're sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. 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 be. 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 very careful when cutting it with power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's highly advisable to hire a glazier when installing your cat flap into the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to break and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not then you can create one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If cat flap installer isn't, you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It is usually labeled with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out then place the flap against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it is bound on any point, then use a file or rasp to fix this.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures in the door, which have to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items in the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is made from timber or has decorative panels that cannot be removed then this will increase the difficulty of the job.
For these types of jobs, it is important to get advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. It is important to do it right because making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
After you've cut your hole, place the flap to see if it opens and fits. If you find any points which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit perfectly and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.
Some kits include templates for 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 the area where you'll need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These are the screw holes that you'll use to secure the flap into the right position.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If your door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be wise to get a professional to handle the job for you. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
It is possible to install a cat flap into composite doors but it's important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner prior to making any changes since any modifications to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be messy and could be dangerous.
When you have composite doors, you'll generally need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame rather than simply through the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you'll have to be extra careful to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's important to remember that it is much more difficult to cut a hole in a door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.