Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house at will is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for the cat to leave the house when necessary.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it ideal for keeping them in the home when you're away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It is essential to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap as there are various sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat may struggle to use it.
Take a ruler, and take measurements of the width at various places along the edges of the door. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an acrobatics routine each time it uses the flap.
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it may be best to ask for assistance from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work frequently. They should be able to help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap to purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will aid you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. For instance, if installing the cat flap on a patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors, it might be best to let this job to a glazier. It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass, and you may find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they like without having to leave them home to themselves. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't good for your cat as well as you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can cause warranty issues.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of doors, however it isn't easy to install the cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to starting.
You'll have to measure their height to ensure they fit through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they don't move around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This location can be outlined on the door.
If click through the up coming article are using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you need to be careful. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This is less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap comes with a template drawing that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole will go. If it doesn't, create your own by with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening and will not slide open or close.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC doors. It will usually be identified with this information. If not, ask the staff in the DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a file or rasp to fix this.
Also, make sure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting into because they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door that will need to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these problems. If cat flap in upvc door panel is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that cannot be removed, this can make the job.
It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid possible issues in the future. It is essential to get it right as doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've made your hole, place the flap to see if it opens and fits. If you spot any areas that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't have a template, you can use thin paper like tracing or acetate. Place the paper on the door and mark an area on which you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Make four screw holes on every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw points that you'll need to use to fix the flap to the door.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite, it can be more challenging. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to hire a professional. They can also help you determine whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to carry out the work yourself, remember that this can be a messy and potentially dangerous task.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's important to remember that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid timber door.