Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house whenever it wants is an excellent way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the house if needed.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!

It is important to measure the door to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat flap in bifold doors may struggle to use it.

Before you take any action however, you should use a ruler to measure the width of the door in various places along its edge. Also, measure the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too tall will make your cat do an exercise routine every time it uses the flap.

If you're not sure of how to measure a door, it might be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who does this type of work regularly. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and give you advice on the right size flap to buy.

Draw the shape of the hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will help you when you're cutting the hole and will save you money!

You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the right place. For instance, if installing the cat flap on the patio door, it is important that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.

If you have glass doors you could want to let this job to a glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they please without you needing to leave them alone. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not healthy for your cat or you.

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

Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be durable and tough with insulation included. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of doors, however it isn't easy to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.

To ensure that your cat is able to access the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. This is easier if they are sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too much. Once you have their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. This position can be outlined on the door.

When using power tools to cut your upvc door panel with cat flap or composite door, you will need be cautious. The process of drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire a glass installer when installing the cat flap inside the pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If not then you can create one yourself with a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, create your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape has been drawn on the door, you can use your spirit level and ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening and won't slide open or close.

Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the design that was written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly, if not ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. After the hole has been cut, place the flap section against it and open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, make use of a file or Fitting A Cat Flap In A Upvc Door rasp to fix it.

It is also important to ensure whether there are any electric gas or cable lines within the door you'll be cutting through, since they could be damaged by the jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door that must be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items in the process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, so they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is made from wood or has decorative panels that cannot be removed then this will make it more difficult to complete the task.

It is always worth seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. It is important to get it right as getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty.

Place the Flap

Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap in place to check if it fits and can be opened easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick, file them down with the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens without issue. Make sure that the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.

Some kits come with an example of this, however, even if yours does not have a template, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw an area on which you'll need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these are the screw holes you'll use to put it into the right position.

Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it's recommended to consult a professional. They will also be able to determine if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.

You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes because any changes to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be messy and may even be hazardous.

You'll need to use a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take great care not to damage the door or yourself since it is extremely fragile. It is important to note that it's more difficult to make the door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood door.