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 active. A flap can help reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for cats to leave the home when necessary.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet to go and come at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This is ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home too!

It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are a variety of sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat may have trouble using it.

Before you do anything however, you should take a ruler and determine the length of the door in several places along its edge. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too tall can cause your cat to perform a gymnast routine every time it wants to use the flap.

Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They will be able to assist you in determining whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap, and advise you on the right size of flap to buy.

Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the outline of the hole on the door. This will help you when you cut the hole and will save you money!

Make sure you make holes in the right position. For instance, if fitting a cat flap in a upvc door the cat flap in the patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.

If you have an opening made of glass it is best to let this job to a glazier. It can be difficult 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 go and come whenever they want without needing to leave them on their own. It also helps stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!

If you own a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could be detrimental to warranties.

They are designed to last and are tough with insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, but they may be difficult to fit the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap step flap on a uPVC door or composite.

To ensure that your cat is able to access the door, you'll need to measure their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you know 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 outlined on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install an e-cat flap on the pane. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If not then you can create one yourself with a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, create your own by with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape has been drawn on the door, you can use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.

Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the design that was marked on the door. Make sure that you're 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 assistance. Once you have the hole cut out then place the flap up against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it binds on any point, then use a file or rasp to fix this.

Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap and be cautious not to scratch them during the process.

Most people who install a cat flap in bifold doors flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they will not have to face these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, this will complicate the job.

For these types of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is crucial to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.

Fit the Flap

After you've cut your hole, place the flap to check if it opens and fits. If you notice any points that stick or catch, 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 perfectly flush with the door.

Some kits include an example of this, however, if it doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. 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 drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to put it in place.

Most uPVC door are solid 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's recommended to consult a professional. They will also be able determine if your door is suitable for the installation of an animal flap.

If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to carry out the work yourself, be aware that it can be messy and dangerous job.

For composite doors with cat flap, you'll usually need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than simply through the GRP. This is a risky task, and you'll require extra care to not damage the door. It is important to note that it's more difficult to cut holes in door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood doors.