Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to move around the house at will is a great method to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This is ideal to keep them inside when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It is important to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large, and your cat may have trouble using it.
Use a ruler to determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also determine the height of the door in a few places. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it may be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work often. They can determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and give you advice on the right size flap to purchase.
Once you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark out the shape of the hole in the door. This will provide you with an outline to cutting the hole and will stop you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the end!
Make sure that you put holes in the right place. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside the patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is best to delegate the installation of a cat flap on a glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to move around as they please without you having to leave them alone. It can also keep draughts out of your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!
However, if cat flap fitting have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the installation is different. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturers as alterations may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of doors, however it can be difficult to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure the height of your child to ensure they fit through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they aren't moving around. Once you have their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This position can be marked on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you have be extra cautious. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install a cat flap in the pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap should 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 using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape has been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and will not open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut the shape marked on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will typically be marked with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. Once the hole is cut, place the flap section against it and then open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it binds at any point, use a file or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have to be removed in order to fit the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them in the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and won't have to deal with any of these issues. But, if your door is made from timber or has decorative panels that cannot be removed then this will add to the complexity of the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's important to get advice from a cat flap fitter. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. If you do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged, which could invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap and check if it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any spots that catch or stick or stick, you can file them down using the aid of 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 include an example of this, but even if yours doesn't, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screw points that you'll use to secure it in the right position.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're not experienced in this area, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the work for you. They can also determine if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes because any changes to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, be aware that it can be messy and possibly dangerous task.
You'll need an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is much more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.