Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go out of the home at their 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 whenever it wants to.

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to come and go at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This is ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!

It is important to measure the door before you buy the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too large or small and your cat may be unable to use it.

Before doing anything, though, use a ruler to determine the length of the door in several locations along its edge. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high could cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they want to use the flap!

Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and advise you on what size flap to purchase.

Draw the outline of the hole on your door once you have your measurements. This will assist you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!

Make sure you make holes in the right position. If you're fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (Blogfreely post to a company blog) the cat flap onto the patio door, it is crucial that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.

If you have glass doors it is best to leave this task to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without you needing to leave him on his own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for you or your cat.

If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.

These doors are typically designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, but they may be a challenge to insert the cat flap installer flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on the upvc door panel cat flap door or composite.

You'll need to determine their height to make sure they pass through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they don't move around. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This location is marked on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. Drilling into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage a glazier when installing your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming brittle. A glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

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

Then, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such, if not ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole drilled then place the flap up against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or a rasp to correct this.

Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fittings in the door, which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects while cutting.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that isn't easily removed, this will complicate the job.

It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is crucial to get them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. It is crucial to get it right as doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.

Place the Flap

Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to check if it opens and fits. If you notice any points that catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit perfectly and open without any problems. Be sure that the flap is in line 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 on the door and draw 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, mark 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.

Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar in this area, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the work for you. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for installation of a cat flap insulation flap.

It is possible to install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it's important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first because any changes to these types of doors could 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 require an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you will require extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to make a hole in a door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.