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 engaged. 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 measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them inside when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!

It is essential to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too large or small and your cat might have difficulty using it.

Take a ruler, and determine the width at several locations along the edge of the door. You should also measure the height of the door in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!

If you're not sure how much to install a cat flap to measure the door, it may be best to ask for assistance from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work regularly. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can give you advice on the right size flap to purchase.

Once you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is mark the shape of the hole on the door. This will assist you when you cut the hole and save you money!

You must also ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.

It is best to leave the task of installing a cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap permits your pet to come and go whenever they want without needing to leave them on their own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't healthy for your cat flap cover for winter as well as you.

If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.

In general, these kinds of doors are designed to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, however they can be difficult to fit a cat flap into. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner before beginning.

You'll have to measure the height of your child to ensure that they can pass through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you know their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This location is marked on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel), you'll need to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. The act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap into glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming hard. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your double glazing cat flap to use.

Cut the Hole

A high-quality cat flap comes with a drawing template 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 a good choice). Once the shape has been drawn on the door, utilize your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and will not open or close.

Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will usually be identified with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves easily. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or fitting a cat flap rasp to correct this.

Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures that are on the door that must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects in the process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and will not be dealing with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that isn't easily removed, this can make the job.

It is always worth seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs since it is crucial to get them done right to avoid potential issues in the future. If you do it wrong, it could cause the door to be damaged and could invalidate the warranty.

Place the Flap

Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to check whether it opens easily. If you find any points that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap is flush with the door.

If your tool doesn't have 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 want to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws that you'll use to secure the flap into the right position.

The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite material, it can be more challenging. If you're not experienced with this then it may be advisable to hire a professional to handle the job for you. They can also advise you on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.

You can fit a cat flap into composite doors but it's important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be a messy job and could be dangerous.

With composite doors, you'll typically need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than just through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.