Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to leave and enter the house at will is a great way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when required.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without having to open the door. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home too!
It's important to measure the door before you buy a cat flap as there are various sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the right size to fit inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it might be too small or too large and your cat will have trouble using it.
Use a ruler to 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 a door that is too high can cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they want to use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it could be a good idea to seek help from a glazier or someone who performs this type of work regularly. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and advise you on what size flap you should purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark out the shape of the hole in the door. This will aid you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. If you're installing a cat flap to an outdoor door, it's crucial that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass, it might be best to delegate this task to a glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses 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 stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat as well as you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are often made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different as well. Before you consider fitting a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.
These doors are generally designed to last and are tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, however they can be difficult to fit an animal flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need to determine their height. This is easier if they are asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you've determined their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This location can be marked on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC 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 expert glass installer when putting in a cat flap in the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole to use for the cat flap, which will be less likely to crack and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap will come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole should go. If it does not then you can make one yourself using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape is drawn on the door, you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to properly fit into the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.
Next, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC doors. It will typically be identified with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap up against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck on any point, then you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut into. Your jigsaw could damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have to be removed to install the cat flap. 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 front door, so they will not have to face these issues. But, if your door is made from timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will add to the complexity of the job.
For these types of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged and could invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, put the flap to see if it opens and is able to fit. If you spot any areas that stick or catch, file them down with the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.
If your tool doesn't have an example, you could use thin paper like tracing or acetate. Lay cat flap cost near me against the door and mark a line where you need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark out four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these are the screw holes that you'll use to secure the flap into the correct position.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not experienced in this area, it might be advisable to hire an expert to complete the work for you. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto composite doors but it's important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first because any changes to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and even dangerous.
You'll require an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. This is a risky task, and you'll require extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to create holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood door.