Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat flap installation go in and out of the house at will is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the house if necessary.

Take a look at the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to go and come at their own pace, without having to open the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet safe in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from entering.

It is essential to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap as there are various sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too big or small and your cat may have difficulty using it.

Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various places along the edges of the door. Also, take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they use the flap!

If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it could be best to ask for assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this kind of work regularly. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will help you decide on the size of flap to purchase.

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

Make sure that you put the hole in the correct position. For instance, if you're fitting a cat flap in a upvc door the cat flap in the patio door, it's important that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.

If you have a glass door you could want to delegate this task to a glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

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

However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you decide to install the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer because alterations could affect any warranties.

These doors are generally designed to last and are tough with insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner before starting.

To make sure that your fitting cat flap in upvc door panel can get through the door, you'll have to take a measurement of their height. It's easier to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, fitting a Cat flap in a upvc door so they don't sway around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This location 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 using power tools. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage a glazier when installing your cat flap inside the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

A high-quality cat flap comes with a drawing template that you can use to mark the area on your door where the hole will go. If it does not then you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door, you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and won't slide open or close.

Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut the shape drawn on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on upvc door panels cat flap doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly, if not ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and then open it, making sure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck on any point, then make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.

Also, make sure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting into since they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Also, fitting a Cat flap in a upvc door be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are on the door which must be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items while cutting.

The majority of people who install a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these issues. However, if your door is made of wood or has decorative panels that cannot be removed then this will increase the difficulty of the task.

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

Fit the Flap

Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap in place to test whether it is able to open easily. If you spot any areas that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit perfectly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap sits flush with the door too.

If your kit doesn't have templates, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes at each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced 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 quite straightforward to cut into. If the door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to hire an expert. They will also be able to tell you if your door is suitable for installing the cat flap.

If you want to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and even dangerous.

You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself, as it is very fragile. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same change in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.