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 way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without having to open the door. This is a great way to keep your pet safe in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from entering.
You should take measurements of the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or too large and your cat will be unable to use it.
Before you take any action however, you should use a ruler to determine the width of the door in various locations along its edge. You should also determine the door's height in a few places. A door that is too tall will make your cat do an acrobatics routine each time it wants to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for help if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to purchase.
Draw the shape of the hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will help you when you cut the hole and save you money!
Make sure you make holes in the right place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors it is best to let this job to a professional glazier. It may be difficult 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 permits your pet to move around whenever they want without having to leave them home on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat as well as you.
If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the installation is different. Before you decide to install an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturer because alterations could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are built to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to weather than other types of doors, but it can be difficult to install an animal flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. This will be easiest when they're asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too often. Once you have their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. You can then mark this location on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you need be cautious. The process of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially if the area is 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 stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not, you can make one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). 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, you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being able to slide open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly If not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it is bound on any points then use a file or rasp to fix this.
You should also check whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door you'll be cutting through as they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Additionally, cat flap fitters should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to make room for the cat flap and be careful not to damage them in the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC door and will not have to worry about any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, it will make the job.
For these types of jobs, it is important to get advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is crucial to perform them correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is essential to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap in place 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 properly and opens without issue. Make sure that the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
If your tool doesn't have an example, you could use thin paper like tracing or acetate. Lay the paper against the door and draw the area where you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Make four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screws you'll need to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this then it may be advisable to hire a professional to do the job for you. They will also be able inform you if the door is suitable for the installation of a cat flap.
It is possible to install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, remember that this could be a messy and potentially dangerous job.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.