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 good idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can aid in reducing accidents with toilets by making it easier for cats to leave the house when needed.

Measure the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to come and go as they please without having to open the door for them. This makes it ideal to keep them inside when you're home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!

It is important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap as there are different sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or small and your cat might be unable to use it.

Before you take any action, though, take a ruler and determine the length of the door in various places along its edges. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it wants to use the flap.

If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be best to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who does this type of work frequently. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap to buy.

After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark out the shape of the hole in the door. This will help you when you cut the hole, and will save you money!

Make sure that you put the hole in the correct place. For instance, if you're fitting cat flap in upvc door panel the cat flap in a patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.

If you have glass doors it is best to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to insert a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you might find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you having to leave him home alone. It can also stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!

If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you consider fitting a cat flap in a upvc door an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it is compatible and you have checked with the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.

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

To ensure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they aren't moving around. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. This position can be outlined on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ a glass installer when installing a cat flap in the pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming brittle. A Glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If not then you can create one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, create your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to properly fit into the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.

Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the shape that has been drawn on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once the hole is made, place the flap section against it and open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use the filer or the rasp to remove it.

It is also important to ensure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes inside the door that you will be cutting through as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fittings in the door, which have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects during the process.

Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door, and therefore won't have to deal with any of these issues. But, if your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will add to the complexity of the task.

For these kinds of jobs, it is important to get advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is crucial to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged, which could cause the warranty to be invalidated.

Fit the Flap

Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap on to check whether it can be opened easily. If you notice any points which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap is perfectly flush with the door.

Some kits include a template for this however, even if yours does not, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screws you'll need to use to fix the flap to the door.

Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. If your door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.

If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors with cat flap, fitting a cat flap in a upvc door it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, remember that this can be a messy and potentially hazardous task.

For composite doors, you'll usually need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame rather than simply through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll have to be extra careful to ensure that the door is not damaged. It is important to note that it's more difficult to cut a hole in a door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood door.