Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go out of the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing toilet accidents 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 to move around whenever they want without opening the door for them. This is ideal to keep them in the house the home when you're away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the home too!
It's important to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap as there are different sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the proper size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small and your cat may have trouble using it.
Get a ruler and determine the width at several places along the edges of the door. You should also determine the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too high will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it could be best to ask for assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this kind of work often. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and can advise you on what size flap you should purchase.
Draw upvc door panel with cat flap fitted of the hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will assist you when you're cutting the hole and will save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. For instance, if fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is best to delegate the task of installing the cat flap onto a glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane, and you may find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without you having to leave them on their own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not healthy for your cat as well as you.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Before you decide to install a cat flap in 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 last and are tough with insulation. 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.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll have to measure their height. This is easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they don't move around too often. Once you've established their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. This location is marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install the cat flap inside the pane. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A glazier will also be able to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not however, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). 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 drawn on the door, you can use your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut the shape marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. 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, use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
You should also check that there are no electric cables or gas pipes within the door that you will be cutting through, as they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fittings in the door, which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items while cutting.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't be faced with these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, this will complicate 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 them done right to avoid potential problems in the future. If you do it wrong, it could cause the door to be damaged and could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Place the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap on to test whether it can be opened easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit perfectly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't include an example, you could use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. Lay the paper against the door and draw a line where you need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to put the flap into the correct position.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this, it's best to hire a professional. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for installing an animal flap.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it's important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first since any modifications to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be messy and may even be hazardous.
You'll need to use a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It is important to note that it's more difficult to cut the door glass than it is for a uPVC door or solid wood door.