Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally active. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around as they please without having to open the door for them. This makes it perfect for keeping them in the home when you're away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
It is essential to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are a variety of sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for the door you have. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small, and your cat could have trouble using it.
Take a ruler, and measure the width at several places along the edges of the door. Also, determine the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it wants to use the flap.
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it could be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work frequently. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and advise you on what size flap to buy.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!
Make sure that you put holes in the right location. If you're installing an apex flap to the patio door, it is vital that the hole doesn't reach too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the task of installing the cat flap on a glass door to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to insert the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass, and you may discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you needing to leave him alone. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat.
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Before you think about installing the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturer as any modifications could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, however they can be a challenge to insert the cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before starting.
To ensure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll have to determine their height. This is easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. Once you've determined their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This position can be marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. Drilling into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in the glass pane. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming fragile. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which is less likely to crack and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap should come with a drawing template that you can use to mark the area on your door where the hole will go. If it doesn't, you can make one using the thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). Once the shape has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and won't slide open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw, and cut the shape drawn on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made, place the flap section against it and push it out to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it binds at any point, use a filer or a rasp to fix this.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed in order to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to harm them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that isn't easily removed, it will make the task.
It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is important to get them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged, which could invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap on to see whether it is able to open easily. If you find any points that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Be sure that the flap is in line with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, but even if yours doesn't, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place window cat flap on the door and draw a line in order to indicate 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 four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These are the screw holes you'll use to put the flap into the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar in this area, it might be wise to get an expert to complete the work for you. They can also determine if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
You can install a cat flap into composite doors, but it is important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner prior to making any changes since any modifications to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and could be dangerous.
You'll need to use a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's important to remember 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.