Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

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

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet to go and come as they please without having to open the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet inside the house when you're away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.

It is important to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap in bifold doors flap, as there are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too large or small, and your cat could have difficulty using it.

Take a ruler, and take measurements of the width at various places along the edges of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they want to use the flap!

Ask a glazier for assistance when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and Cat Flaps will give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.

When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark the outline of the hole on the door. This will assist you when cutting the hole and will save you money!

Make sure you make the hole in the right place. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it's important that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.

It is recommended to leave the installation of the cat flap onto the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you could be surprised to find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you needing to leave him alone. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not healthy for your cat as well as you.

However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors with cat flap are typically made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. 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 invalidate warranties.

These doors are generally designed to be tough and durable and have insulation. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install a window cat flap flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.

To ensure that your cat is able to access the door, you'll need determine their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they aren't moving 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 go. This location is marked on the door.

If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into metal could cause it to crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an experienced glass installer to install the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or Cat Flaps shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

A high-quality 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 doesn't, make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been drawn on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to be properly seated in the door and prevent it from being in a position to slide open or closed.

Next, take your jigsaw and cut the design that was written on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly If not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once the hole is made, place the flap section against it and then open it to make sure the flap is moving smoothly. If it is bound at any point, you can use a filer or a rasp to remove it.

Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're planning to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to make room for the cat flap insulation flap. Be careful not to harm them in the process.

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

For these kinds of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is essential to do them correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is crucial to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.

Place the Flap

Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap in place to see whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you find any points that stick or catch to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit perfectly and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.

Some kits include an example of this, however, even if yours does not, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Make four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to fix the flap in place.

The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to hire a professional. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you choose to do the work yourself, remember that this could be messy and dangerous job.

With composite doors, you'll typically need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than simply through the GRP. Be aware that this could be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself as it is extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to make holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.