Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go from the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you having to open the door. This is ideal to keep them in the house when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the home too!

It is essential to take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too large or Cat flaps small and your cat might have trouble using it.

Before you take any action, though, take a ruler and take measurements of the width of the door in several places along its edge. Also, you should measure the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too tall can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.

If you're not sure of how to measure a door, it might be best to ask for assistance from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work frequently. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to buy.

When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark the shape of the hole on the door. This will give you a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making an error that will cost you money in the end!

Make sure that you put the hole in the right place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on a patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.

If you have an opening made of glass it is best to delegate this task to a glazier. It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap inside the glass pane and you might find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the window cat flap

A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without you having to leave him on his own. It can also stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!

However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you think about installing the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.

Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be durable and tough with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, but they may be a challenge to insert the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.

To ensure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need determine their height. This is easier when they're sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. 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 should be. You can then mark this position 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. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in the cat flap inside the pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. 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, you can make one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can create your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). Once the shape has been penciled in on the door, you can utilize your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.

Then, you can make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly however, 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 to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it binds at any point, use a filer or rasp to correct this.

Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fittings in the door, which must be removed in order to install 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 will have the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, it will make the task.

It is always worthwhile seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.

Install the Flap

Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap in place to test whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.

Some kits include a template for this however, if it doesn't provide a template, you could use a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to show where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to fix it in place.

Most upvc door panel with cat flap fitted doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. But, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this then it may be wise to get an expert to complete the work for you. They should also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.

You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner prior to making any changes because any changes to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you choose to do the work yourself, remember that it can be messy and possibly dangerous job.

You'll need to use a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you'll require extra care to not damage the door. It's important to remember that it's more difficult to make the door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.