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 physically and mentally active. A flap can help reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when required.

Take a look at the Door

A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it perfect for keeping them in when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!

It is important to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap as there are different sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it could be too large or too small and your cat may be unable to use it.

Before you do anything however, you should take a ruler and take measurements of the length of the door in several locations along its edge. You should also determine the height of the door in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat flaps to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!

Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They will be able to assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to purchase.

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

Make sure you make the hole in the right position. If you're fitting a cat flap an apex flap to an outdoor door, it's important that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues window with cat flap the seal.

It is best to delegate the task of installing a cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without you having to leave him all by himself. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat or you.

If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible prior to installing the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may cause warranty issues.

Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install an animal flap. If you're uncertain about whether your upvc door panel replacement cat flap or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner before beginning.

You'll have to measure their height in order to ensure that they can fit through the door. It's easier to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they don't move around. 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 go. This location can be outlined on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. Drilling into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap in the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. A Glazier is also in a position 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 doesn't, you can make one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it isn't, you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape has been penciled on the door, utilize your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to properly fit into the opening and stop it from being capable of sliding open or close.

Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once the hole is made, place the flap section against it and open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it binds on any point, then use a file or rasp to correct 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 that are in the door, which must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects in the process.

Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that cannot be removed, this can make the job.

It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is crucial to get them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged and could invalidate the warranty.

Fit the Flap

After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap in place to see whether it will fit and can be opened easily. If you spot any areas that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap is in a flush position with the door.

Some kits come with an example of this, however, even if yours does not, 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 show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screw points that you'll need to use to fix it in place.

Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire an expert. They can also help you determine whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.

If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, you need to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, remember that this could be messy and dangerous job.

You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take great care not to harm the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's important to remember that it's much more difficult to make holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood door.