Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to come and go from the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the house when necessary. 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 is ideal to keep them inside when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the home too! It is essential to examine the door's measurements to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures you get the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or too large, and your cat may have trouble using it. Before you do anything, though, take a ruler and take measurements of the length of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. Also, determine the door's height in a few places. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they want to use the flap! Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and can give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase. After repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk 've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark out the shape of the hole in the door. 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 creating is placed in the right spot. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and problems with the seal. It is best to delegate the installation of the cat flap onto glass doors to an experienced glazier. It can be very tricky to fit a cat flap into the glass pane and you might find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal. Measure the Cat A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they wish without having to leave him home on his own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't beneficial for you or your cat. If you do have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the installation is different. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties. These doors are generally designed to be tough and durable and have insulation. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning. You'll need to determine their height to ensure they pass through the door. This will be easiest when they're sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too often. Once you know 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. You can then mark this location on the door. If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. The act of drilling into the metal may cause it to crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ a glass installer when installing the cat flap inside a pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming hard. A Glazier is also able 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 then you can create one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape has been penciled on the door, you can utilize your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being capable of sliding open or close. Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the shape that has been marked on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors – usually it will be marked as such If not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once the hole is made then place the flap against it and then open it to ensure that the flap moves easily. If it is bound on any point, then you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix it. You should also check whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes inside the door you will be cutting through, as they could be damaged by your jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door which will need to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items during the process. Most people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't have to deal with these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that isn't easily removed, it will make the job. It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. If you do it wrong, it could cause the door to be damaged, which could make it impossible to honor the warranty. Place the Flap Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap and check if it opens and fits. If you spot any areas that stick or catch, 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 too. If your tool doesn't have templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or acetate. Lay the paper against the door and mark the area where you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap – these will be the screw points you'll use to put it into the right position. Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it might be advisable to hire a professional to do the work for you. They will also be able determine 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 first because any changes to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be a messy and potentially dangerous job. For composite doors, you'll typically need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame rather than simply through the GRP. This is a risky task, and you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to create a hole in a door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood doors.