Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house as it pleases is a great method to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it ideal for keeping them in the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
You should measure the door to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the right size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or too large and your cat will have trouble using it.
Before you do anything, though, take a ruler and take measurements of the width of the door in various locations along its edge. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do an acrobatics routine each time it is tempted to use the flap.
Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to buy.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark the shape of the hole in the door. This will aid you when cutting the hole and save you money!
Make sure that you put the hole in the right position. If you're installing an apex flap to the patio door, it is vital that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or problems with the seal.
It is best to delegate the task of installing a cat flap on glass doors to an experienced glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want, without needing to leave him on his own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't good 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 doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could be detrimental to warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, but they may be difficult to fit a cat flap into. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional jointer prior to starting.
You'll have to measure their height to ensure they fit through the door. This is easier when they're asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too much. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. This position can be marked on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need to be careful. The process of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire a glass installer when installing the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming hard. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not then you can create one yourself with a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could create your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape has already been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It is usually identified with this information. If not, ask the staff in the DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made, place the flap section against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to correct this.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed in order to install the cat flap and be careful not to harm them during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, so they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, this will complicate the job.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs since it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid possible issues in the future. Getting fitting a cat flap can lead to the door being damaged, which could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Install the Flap
After you've made your hole cut, put the flap on to check whether it will fit and opens easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these are the screw holes you'll use to fit the flap into place.
The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult a professional. They should also be able to help you determine whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to carry out the work yourself, remember that this could be messy and possibly hazardous task.
With composite doors, you'll usually require a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be aware that this could be very dangerous and you'll have to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself since it's extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of glass for a door is a lot more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid timber door.