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 mentally and physically engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.

Take a look at the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you having to open the door. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of your house as well!

It's important to measure the door before you buy the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size that fits inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it could be too small or large for your cat and he will struggle to use it.

Before doing anything but use a ruler to determine the width of the door in various places along its edges. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. This is because the 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 help in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.

Draw the outline of the hole on the door once you have your measurements. This will assist you when cutting the hole and save you money!

Make sure that you put the hole in the correct position. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap fitting near me flap on the patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.

If you have a glass door it is best to leave this task to fitting a cat flap in a upvc door glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet to move around as they please without you having to leave them on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't healthy for your cat as well as you.

If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made from different materials than standard wooden or upvc door panel replacement cat flap doors and the procedure for installing them is different, too. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.

They are designed to last and are tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, but they can be difficult to fit an animal flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap onto the upvc door panel with cat flap door or composite.

To ensure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need to measure their height. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too often. Once you've determined their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This position can be marked on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage a glazier when installing your cat flap in upvc door panel flap inside the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming hard. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If not, you can make one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape has already been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level and ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening and will not open or close.

Then, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole drilled then place the flap up against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it binds at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to fix this.

Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are in the door, which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects in the process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC door and so won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, it will make the task.

It is always worth seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is important to get them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. If you do it wrong, it could lead to the door being damaged and may invalidate the warranty.

Fit the Flap

After you've made your hole cut, put the flap in place to see if it fits and can be opened easily. If you notice any points that catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and can be opened without issue. Be sure that the flap is aligned with the door.

Some kits include a template for this but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper against the door and draw a line where you want to position the flap (this will be 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 screws that you'll use to secure it into the correct position.

Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If the door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it's recommended that you hire an expert. They can also tell you if your door is suitable to install a cat flap.

You can install the cat flap onto composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so since any modifications to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.

With composite doors, you'll generally need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. This can be a dangerous task, and you'll require extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in a replacement upvc door panel with cat flap or solid timber door.