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 great idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without having to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them inside when you're home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It is essential to examine the door's measurements to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This ensures you get the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large and your cat will struggle to use it.
Before you take any action, though, use a ruler to measure the width of the door in several places along its edge. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work frequently. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will help you decide on the size of flap you should purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will assist you when cutting the hole and save you money!
Make sure to put the hole in the correct location. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it's important that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is best to leave the job of installing the cat flap onto a glass door to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to leave them on their own. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These types of doors are often made with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different as well. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before you install the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, but it isn't easy to install the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need to determine their height. This is easiest when they're asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too much. Once you've determined their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. You can then mark this spot on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage a glazier when installing your cat flap in the glass pane. cat flap in upvc door panel will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier will also be able to provide 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 will come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole should be. If it doesn't, you can make one yourself using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to sit properly in the opening and stop it from being able to slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut out the design that was written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly, if not ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and then open it, making sure that the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound on any points then make use of a file or a rasp to correct this.
It is also important to ensure that there are no electric gas or cable lines within the door you'll be cutting through because they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door that have to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items during the process.
The majority of people who install the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these issues. However, if your door is made of wood or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, this could add to the complexity of the task.
For these types of jobs, it is worth getting expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is crucial to perform them correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is essential to get it right as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap on to see whether it is able to open easily. If you find any points that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without issue. Make sure the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or acetate. Place the paper against the door and draw a line where you will need to place the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screw holes you'll need to fix the flap to the door.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite, it can be more challenging. If you're not familiar with this, it is best to hire an expert. They will also be able to tell you if your door is suitable for the installation of the cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors could make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you choose to do the work yourself, remember that it can be messy and possibly hazardous task.
You'll need to use a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same change in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.