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 physically and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.

Measure the Door

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

It is essential to examine the door's measurements to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for the door you have. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or too small and your cat may have difficulty using it.

Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various locations along the edge of the door. Also, determine the door's height in a few places. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!

Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and advise you on what size flap you should purchase.

Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is mark out the shape of the hole in the door. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the end!

You should also make sure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. For instance, if you're fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.

If you have an opening made of glass it is best to leave this task to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat flap cover for winter-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap allows your pet to go and come whenever they want without needing to leave them to themselves. It can also keep draughts out of your house, which aren't good for you or your cat!

If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different as well. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.

Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be tough and durable with insulation included. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, but they may be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to beginning.

To ensure that your cat is able to get through the door, you'll need measure their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you've determined their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. Then, you can mark this position on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel), you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into metal could cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to crack and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

A good cat flap will come with a template that you can use to mark the area on your door where the hole needs to go. If it does not then you can make one yourself using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening, and it will not open or close.

Next, use your jigsaw and cut out the shape drawn on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC door use. It will typically be labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole cut out and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it becomes stuck on any point, then make use of a file or a rasp to fix this.

Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door Cat flaps you're planning to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed to install the cat flap. Be careful not to damage them during this process.

The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, so they won't be faced with these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that isn't easily removed, this can make the job.

It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is essential to do them right to avoid any potential issues 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

After you've cut your hole, place the flap to check whether it opens and is able to fit. If you find any points that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is aligned with the door.

If your kit doesn't include a template, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or acetate. Place the paper on the back door with cat flap fitted and draw the area where you'll need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screws you'll need to fix it in place.

Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If the door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able determine if your door is suitable for the installation of a cat flap.

If you want to install a cat flap in composite doors, you need to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you choose to do the work yourself, remember that this could be a messy and potentially dangerous task.

You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you'll need to take extra care to not damage the back door with cat flap fitted. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.