Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house as it pleases is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.

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 ideal to keep them inside when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home too!

It's important to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or too large and your cat will have trouble using it.

Before you take any action however, you should take a ruler and take measurements of the length of the door in various places along its edge. You should also take measurements of the height of the door in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high will cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they need to use the flap!

If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it may be best to ask for assistance from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this type of work regularly. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap, and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.

Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark the outline of the hole in the door. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you money in the long run!

Make sure that you put the hole in the correct position. For example, if you're fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (Going On this page) the cat flap in a patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.

It is best to delegate the job of installing the cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to insert the cat flap onto the glass pane and you might discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap in bifold doors flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you needing to leave him alone. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for you or your cat.

However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These types of doors are typically made with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different, too. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.

In general, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, but they can be a challenge to insert a cat flap cover for winter flap into. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.

You'll need to take their height to make sure they pass through the door. This is easiest if they are sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know 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 go. This location can be marked on the door.

If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. It is 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 brittle. A Glazier is also able to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If it does not then you can create one yourself with a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can create one by using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has already been penciled in on the door, utilize your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening and will not open or close.

Next, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will usually be marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once the hole is made, place the flap section against it and open it, making sure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or rasp to correct this.

Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap and be careful not to damage them during the process.

Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door, and therefore will not have to worry about any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, this can make the task.

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

Place the Flap

Once you've made your hole, place the flap and check if it opens and fits. If you notice any spots that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits correctly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap sits in a flush position with the door.

Some kits include a template for this however, if it doesn't, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Make four screw holes at each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw holes you'll need to fix the flap in place.

The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. If your door is constructed of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is best to hire a professional. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for the installation of a cat flap.

If you're planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, you need to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors with cat flap could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that it could be a messy job and even dangerous.

You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through wall cat flap composite doors, rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is a lot more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid timber door.