Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the home at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house if necessary.

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without 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 out of the house as well!

It is essential to measure the door before 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 your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too big or small, and your cat could have difficulty using it.

Use a ruler to measure the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should measure the height of the door in a few places. A door that is too tall will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it uses the flap.

If you're not sure 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 regularly. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can help you decide on the size of flap to purchase.

After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is mark the shape of the hole on the door. This will assist you when you cut the hole, and will save you money!

Make sure to put holes in the right place. For example, 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 hinges, since this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.

If you have glass doors, it might be best to let this job to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. It is also possible that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they like without needing to leave them on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't healthy for your cat or you.

If you do have a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you consider fitting a cat flap the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it is compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturers as alterations may affect any warranties.

These doors are generally designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other types of door, but it 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 jointer prior to starting.

To ensure that your cat is able to pass through the door, you'll have to measure their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they don't sway around. Once you've established their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This location can be marked on the door.

If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an expert glass installer when putting in the cat flap inside the pane. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming brittle. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to break and is 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 ideal). If it doesn't, you can create your own by with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is drawn on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being capable of sliding open or closed.

Then, you can make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked as such however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once the hole is made then place the flap against it and then open it to make sure the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or rasp to fix this.

Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut into. Your jigsaw could damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed to make room for the cat flap and be careful not to harm them in the process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, so they will not have to face these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative part that is not easily removed, this will complicate the job.

For these types of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting a cat flap in a upvc door expert. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged and could cause the warranty to be invalidated.

Install the Flap

After you've cut your hole, you can place the flap to see if it opens and fits well. If you find any points that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap sits in a flush position with the door.

Some kits include templates for this, however, even if yours does not have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to fit the flap into place.

The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite material, it can be more challenging. If you're not experienced with this, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to do the work for you. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.

If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is important to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be messy and may even be hazardous.

For composite doors, you'll usually require a grinder or saw to cut through the door's frame rather than simply through the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It's important to remember that cutting a hole into any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.