Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat move around the house as it pleases is a great way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the house if necessary.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap allows your pet to go and come whenever they want without opening the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet safe in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from entering.

You should take measurements of the door to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it could be too large or small and your cat may have trouble using it.

Before doing anything but take a ruler and take measurements of the length of the door in several places along its edge. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.

Ask a glazier for assistance if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap to purchase.

Once you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark out the shape of the hole on the door. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making an error that will cost you money in the long run!

Make sure you make the hole in the correct location. If you're installing an apex flap to an outdoor door, it's vital that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.

If you have a glass door it is best to delegate this task to a glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the cat flap Install

A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want, without needing to leave him all by himself. It can also stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!

However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the installation is different. Before you consider fitting a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it is compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.

Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are made to be durable and tough with insulation included. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning.

To ensure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need to measure their height. This is easier when they're asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you know their height you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This position is marked on the door.

If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in an e-cat flap on the pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming hard. 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

If it doesn't then you can create one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape has been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level and make sure it's horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or close.

Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the design that is on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves easily. If it becomes stuck at any point, use the filer or the rasp to fix this.

You should also check whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting through because they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed to make room for the cat flap step flap. You should be careful not to damage them in the process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid upvc door panel cat flap front door, which means they will not have to face these issues. If your door is made of timber or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, this could make it more difficult to complete the task.

It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is essential to do them done right to avoid possible issues in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and may invalidate the warranty.

Place the Flap

Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap and check whether it opens and fits. If you spot any areas that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens without issue. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.

If your tool doesn't have templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line where you need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screw points that you'll need to fix the flap to the door.

Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. But, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire an expert. They should also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.

If you want to install a cat flap on composite doors, you need to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to the doors could make it impossible to honor 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 generally need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. This can be a dangerous task, and you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door. It is important to note that it's much more difficult to cut the door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood doors.