Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the home at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house if needed.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them inside when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
You should examine the door's measurements to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too big or small and your cat might have trouble using it.
Get a ruler and measure the width at several places along the edges of the door. Also, you should measure the height of the door in a few places. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it could be best to ask for assistance from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work often. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can help you decide on the size of flap to purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will aid you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. If you're fitting an apex flap to a patio door it is crucial that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have a glass door you could want to let this job to a glazier. It can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into the glass pane and you might 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 go and come whenever they like without needing to leave them alone. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for you or your cat!
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These kinds of doors are typically made with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different, too. Before you think about installing the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer because alterations could invalidate any warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install a cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to determine the height of your child to ensure they fit through the door. This is easier when they're sleeping or calm, so that they aren't 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 needs to be. This position can be marked on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an experienced glass installer to install a cat flap in a pane. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming fragile. A glazier will also provide 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
A high-quality cat flap will come with a template drawing that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole should go. If it doesn't, you can make one yourself using the thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, take cat flap installation cost and cut the shape that has been marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such, if not ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. After the hole has been cut, place the flap section against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it binds at any point, use a filer or a rasp to remove it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door that will need to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items while cutting.
Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and so won't have to deal with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that isn't easily removed, this can make the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it is important to get advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged, which could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to see whether it is able to open easily. If you find any points which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap is flush with the door too.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or acetate. Place the paper 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). Mark four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw holes you'll need to fix the flap in place.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite then it can be more challenging. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They should also be able to help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be a messy job and could be dangerous.
You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw 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 damage the door or yourself since it is extremely fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.