Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to enter and go from the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This is a great method to keep your pet in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from entering.

It is important to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap as there are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it may be too large or too small, and your cat could have trouble using it.

Before you take any action however, you should use a ruler to measure the width of the door in various locations along its edge. Also, take measurements of the door's height in a few places. A door that is too tall can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine every time it wants to use the flap.


Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap you should purchase.

Mark out the shape of the hole on your door once you have the measurements. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the future!

You must also ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. If you're fitting the cat flap onto the patio door, it is crucial that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.

It is recommended to leave the job of installing the cat flap on glass doors to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap permits your pet to go and come whenever they like without having to leave them home on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not good for you or your cat.

However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you consider fitting an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.

Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning.

You'll have to measure their height in order to ensure they fit through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. This position can be marked on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to crack and is safer for your kitty to use.

Cut the Hole

If it does not however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the opening and stop it from being in a position to slide open or closed.

Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut the shape marked on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will typically be identified with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once the hole is made then place the flap against it and then open it to ensure that the flap moves easily. If it is bound at any point, use a file or rasp to fix it.

Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're going to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be cautious not to cause damage to these items in the process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they will not have to face these problems. But, if your door is made from wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will increase the difficulty of the task.

fitting cat flap in upvc door panel is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs since it is essential to do them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. It is important to get it right, as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.

Install the Flap

Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to check if it opens and is able to fit. If you spot any areas which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit perfectly and open without difficulty. Be sure that the flap is aligned with the door.

If your kit doesn't have templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Place the paper against the door and mark a line where you need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to put it into the correct position.

Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. But, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then it can be more challenging. If you're not familiar with this, it is best to hire an expert. They can also inform you if the door is suitable to install a cat flap.

If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, you need to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be a messy and potentially dangerous job.

You'll need to use a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you will need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is far more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid timber door.

Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/richmond-cat-flap-installer-near-me/