Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for cats to leave the house when needed.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without having to open the door. This makes it perfect for keeping them in when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of your house as well!
It's important to measure the door prior to when you buy the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or too large, and your cat may have trouble using it.
Before you do anything however, you should use a ruler to measure the width of the door in various places along its edges. You should also determine the height of the door in a few places. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on your door after you have taken your measurements. This will aid you when you cut the hole, and will save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside a patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass it is best to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto an existing glass pane and you might be surprised to find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to come and go whenever they like without needing to leave them alone. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for you or your cat.
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are typically made from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before installing the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can cause warranty issues.
These doors are generally designed to be durable and tough, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, however they can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll have to determine their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they aren't moving around. Once you know their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the location of the flap's bottom. This location can be marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap in the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not however, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can create your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape has already been penciled on the door, utilize your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening and will not slide open or close.
Then, you can make use of a jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is 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 the DIY store for guidance. After the hole has been cut and the flap is placed against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to correct this.
You should also check that there are no electric gas or cable lines within the door that you will be cutting through as they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures in the door, which must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects during the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't be faced with these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative part that cannot be removed, this can make the task.
For these types of jobs, it is worth getting expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is important to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to see whether it opens easily. If click through the following web page spot any areas which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit perfectly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap is flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't have an example, you could make use of thin paper such as 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 serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screws you'll need to fix the flap in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. If your door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat 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 complete the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll have to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself as it is extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to make the door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.