Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the home at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house if required.

Measure the Door

A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests from the home too!

It's important to measure the door before you buy a cat flap as there are different sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits into your upvc door panels cat flap door, otherwise, it could be too small or too large, and your cat may struggle to use it.

Before doing anything, though, use a ruler to take measurements of the length of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. Also, determine the door's height in a few places. A door that is too tall will cause your cat to do an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.

If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it may be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who does this type of work often. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.

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

It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. For instance, if installing the cat flap on fitting a cat flap in a upvc door patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.

If you have a glass door, it might be best to let this job to a glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without needing to leave them on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat as well as you.

If you own fitting a cat flap in a upvc door uPVC door or composite door cat flap, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can cause warranty issues.

Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of doors, but it isn't easy to install an animal flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.

To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need to determine their height. This will be easiest when they're sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too much. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. You can then mark this spot on the door.

When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you need to be careful. The drilling process can make it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole to use for the cat flap, which 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 by using a piece of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it does not then you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape has been penciled in on the door, you can use your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to be properly seated in the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or closed.

Then, you can make use of a jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole drilled, place the flap section up against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.

Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you plan to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fittings on the door which have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items during the process.

The majority of 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 issues. But, if your door is constructed of timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will add to the complexity of the task.

For these kinds of jobs, it's important to get advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to perform them correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is important to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.

Install the Flap

Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to check if it fits and is able to open easily. If you find any points that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is in line with the door.

Some kits include an example of this, however, even if yours does not have a template, you can use a piece or thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Make four screw holes at each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screw points that you'll need to use to fix the flap in place.

The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be advisable to hire an expert to complete the job for you. They will also be able inform you if the door is suitable to install a cat flap.

If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors could make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and even dangerous.

For composite doors, you'll typically require a grinder or saw to cut through the door panel itself rather than simply through the GRP. Be aware that this could be very dangerous and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it is extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to cut the door glass than a uPVC door or fitting a cat flap solid wood doors.