Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go from the house at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for cats to leave the home when necessary.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect for keeping them in when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
You should take measurements of the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or small and your cat may have trouble using it.
Take a ruler, and determine the width at several places along the edges of the door. Also, determine the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an acrobatics routine each time it is tempted to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for help if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to purchase.
Draw the outline of your hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will help you when you're cutting the hole and save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. For instance, if fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door it is best to delegate this task to a glazier. It can be very tricky to fit the cat flap onto 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 allows your pet to move around as they wish without having to leave him on his own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't healthy for your cat or you.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed of different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different, too. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible prior to installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.
They are designed to last and are tough, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, but they may be difficult to fit a cat flap into. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll need determine their height. This is easier if they are asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too much. Once you have their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. Then, you can mark this position on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ a glass installer when installing 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 circular cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not however, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you could create your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once back door with cat flap fitted has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and won't slide open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the design that was drawn on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and then open it, making sure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck on any point, then make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, so they will not have to face these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, this can make the task.
It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs since it is crucial to get them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. It is crucial to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap in place to test if it fits and is able to open easily. If you find any points which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure that the flap sits flush with the door too.
Some kits include templates for this, but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could use a piece or thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Lay the paper against the door and mark the area where you'll will need to place the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these are the screw holes you'll use to fit it into the right position.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If the door is made of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is important to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be a messy job and could be dangerous.
You'll need a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself since it is very fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.