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 great idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the house when needed.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them inside when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the home too!
It is important to measure the door prior to when you buy the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the correct 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 difficulty using it.
Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. Also, you should determine the height of the door in a few places. This is because the door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it could be a good idea to seek help from a glazier or someone who performs this kind of work regularly. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw the outline 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 are fitting a cat flap to a patio door it is crucial that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door, it might be best to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto the glass pane, and you may find that the process causes it to crack 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 can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for you or your cat.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. 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 affect any warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds 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 can be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need measure their height. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you've determined their height, you can measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. You can then mark this spot on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you need be cautious. The act of drilling into metal can cause it to crack, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. the original source will also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to break and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap will come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the area on your door where the hole will be. If it doesn't, you could create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw, and cut the design that was drawn on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC door use. It will usually be marked with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for help. After the hole has been cut then place the flap against it and open it, making sure that the flap moves easily. If it is bound at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.
It is also important to ensure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes inside the door that you will be cutting through, because they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles or other fixtures in the door, which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items in the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that cannot be removed, this can make the task.
It is always worthwhile seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs since it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. It is crucial to do it right because making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've cut your hole, put the flap and check whether it opens and fits well. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits come with a template for this however, even if yours does not provide a template, you could use a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and mark an area on which you'll will need to place the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screw holes you'll need to use to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult a professional. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable to install a cat flap.
You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors. However, it's essential to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first because any changes to these types of doors could invalidate the warranty. If you choose to complete the task yourself, be aware that this can be messy and dangerous job.
You'll need to use a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself since it's extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid timber door.