Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the house when necessary.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them in the house when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!

It's important to measure the door before you buy a cat flap since there are various sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it might be too small or too large, and your cat may be unable to use it.

Use a ruler to measure the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, determine the door's height in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!

Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure how much to install a cat flap to measure the door. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and can advise you on what size flap to purchase.

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

Make sure that you put the hole in the correct position. For example, if you're fitting a cat flap in a upvc door; similar internet site, the cat flap in the patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.

It is recommended to leave the task of installing the cat flap on a glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane and you might discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they please without you needing to leave them alone. It also helps stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!

If you have a upvc door panel cat flap door or composite, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Before you think about installing the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible and you have checked with the manufacturers as alterations may cause the warranty to be invalidated.

They are designed to last and are tough with insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, however they can be difficult to fit the cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.

To ensure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need to determine their height. This is easiest when they're asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this location on the door.

If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel), you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming hard. 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 does not however, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it isn't, you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to be properly seated in the opening and stop it from being in a position to slide open or closed.

Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the design that was marked on the back door with cat flap fitted. Make sure that you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors with cat flap. Usually, it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole drilled, place the flap section against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, you can use a filer or a rasp to correct this.

Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you plan to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that will have to be removed to fit the cat flap. You should be careful not to harm them during this process.

The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, so they won't be faced with these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that is not easily removed, it will make the job.

For these types of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. If you do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.

Fit the Flap

Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to see whether it will fit and opens easily. If you find any points that stick or catch, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door.

Some kits come with a template for this however, even if yours does not, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper against the door and draw a line where you will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Make four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw holes will be used to secure the flap in place.

The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They can also advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.

You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes since any modifications to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be messy and could be dangerous.

You'll require an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's important to remember that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.