Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.

Take a look at the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to go and come whenever they want without opening the door for them. This makes it ideal for keeping them in the home when you're away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!

You should examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your door made of upvc. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small and your cat might have trouble using it.

Take a ruler, and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also determine the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too tall will make your cat do an acrobatics routine each time it uses the flap.

If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it may be best to seek help from a glazier or someone who performs this kind of work frequently. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap you should purchase.

Mark out the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will aid you when you're cutting the hole and save you money!

It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside the patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.

If you have an opening made of glass it is best to leave 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 discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap in upvc door panel flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to leave them home to themselves. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not good for you or your cat.

If you have a replacement upvc door panels with cat flap door or composite, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it is compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.

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

You'll need to take their height to ensure that they can pass through the door. This is easier if they are asleep or calm so that they don't move around too much. Once you have their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the position of the flap's bottom. This position can be marked on the door.

If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap inside glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This is less likely to crack and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If it does not however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, create your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is drawn on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening and won't slide open or close.

Next, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC doors. It is usually marked with this information. If not then ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it binds at any point, use a filer or rasp to fix this.

Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects while cutting.

The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own have a standard solid uPVC front door, so they will not have to face these issues. But, if your door is made from timber or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, it will make it more difficult to complete the task.

It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs since it is important to get them done right to avoid possible issues in the future. It is important to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.

Install the Flap

After you've made your hole cut, put the flap in place to check if it fits and opens easily. If you spot any areas that stick or catch, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.

If your kit doesn't have an example, you could 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 a cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to put it into the right position.

The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult a professional. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.

You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it's important to check with the manufacturers or fitting a cat flap professional joiner prior to making any changes because any changes to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be a messy job and could be dangerous.

For composite doors, you'll typically need to use the aid of fitting a cat flap saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is fitting a cat flap in A upvc door potentially dangerous task, and you'll require extra care to not damage the door. It's important to remember that it's more difficult to create holes in door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood doors.