Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

Allowing your cat flap fitters to enter and go out of the house at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.

Take a measurement of 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 in the house when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home too!

It is important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap since there are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too large or too small and your cat might be unable to use it.

Get a ruler and determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a few places. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat flap double glazing to do a gymnast's routine every time they want to use the flap!

If you're not sure of how much to install a cat flap to measure the door, it could be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work often. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and give you advice on the right size flap to purchase.

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

Make sure you make the hole in the correct location. If you are fitting a cat flap in a upvc door a cat flap to the patio door, it is vital that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.

It is recommended to leave the job of installing a cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap permits your pet to move around as they please without you having to leave them on their own. It can also stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!

However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before you install the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.

Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, however it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before beginning.

You'll need to take their height in order to make sure they fit through the door. This will be easiest if they are sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too much. Once you know their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This location can be outlined on the door.

When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you will need be extra cautious. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in a cat flap in the pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

A good cat flap should come with a template drawing that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to be. If it isn't, you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being able to slide open or close.

Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut, place the flap section against it and open it, making sure that the flap moves easily. If it binds at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix this.

Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed to install the cat flap and be careful not to harm them during this process.

Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is made from wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, this could add to the complexity of the job.

It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs as it is important to get them right to avoid any potential problems in the future. It is crucial to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty.

Fit the Flap

Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap in place to test whether it opens easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap sits in a flush position with the door.

If your tool doesn't have a template, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Lay the paper against the door and draw a line where you need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these will be the screw points you'll use to fit it in place.

The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. If the door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult an expert. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.

If you are planning to install a cat flap step flap in composite doors, it is important to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and even dangerous.

When you have composite doors, you'll usually need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door's frame instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself, as it is extremely fragile. It is important to note that it's much more difficult to cut the door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood door.