Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house at will is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to. Take a measurement of the door A cat flap allows your pet to go and come at their own pace, without having to open the door for them. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the house as well! It is important to examine the door's measurements to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for the door you have. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or too small and your cat may have trouble using it. Before doing anything, though, use a ruler to determine the length of the door in a variety of places along its edges. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few places. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap! Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy. Draw the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken your measurements. This will assist you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money! You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. For instance, if installing the cat flap on the patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal. It is recommended to leave the job of installing a cat flap on a glass door to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to insert a cat flap inside the 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 allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without you having to leave him home all by himself. It can also stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat! If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are typically made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is quite different too. Before you consider fitting the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturers as alterations may cause the warranty to be invalidated. Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be durable and tough with insulation included. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install an animal flap. Make cat flap installer to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite. You'll need to determine their height in order to ensure they pass through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they aren't moving around. Once you have their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. Then, you can mark this location on the door. If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be extra cautious. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap into the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use. Cut the Hole If not however, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you could create your own using 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 make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening, and it will not slide open or close. Next, use your jigsaw and cut the shape drawn on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will typically be labeled with this information. If not, ask the staff in the DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, use the filer or the rasp to correct this. It is also important to ensure whether there are any electric gas or cable lines within the door that you will be cutting into as they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have to be removed in order to fit the cat flap and be careful not to harm them in the process. Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't be faced with these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that isn't easily removed, it will make the task. For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is crucial to get it right, as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty. Fit the Flap Once you've made your hole, put the flap and check if it opens and fits. If you notice any points that catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap is in a flush position with the door. If your kit doesn't have templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Lay the paper against the door and mark a line where you need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screw points that will be used to secure the flap to the door. Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. But, if your door is made from GRP or a composite material, this can be more complicated. If you're not comfortable with this, it is recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able inform you if the door is suitable to install an animal flap. If you are planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, you need to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be a messy job and could be dangerous. With composite doors, you'll generally need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself since it's extremely fragile. It's also worth noting 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.