Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to come and go out of the home at their own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing accidents with toilets by making it easier for cats to leave the house if needed.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without having to open the door. This is ideal to keep them inside when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home too!
It is important to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too big or small and your cat may have trouble using it.
Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various locations along the edge of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too tall can cause your cat to perform an acrobatics routine each time it wants 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 help you determine whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is mark the outline of the hole on the door. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will stop you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the long run!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct place. If you are fitting the cat flap onto the patio door, it is vital that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass, it might be best to let this job to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they wish without having to leave him home alone. It also helps keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can cause warranty issues.
They are designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. They are more resistant to weather than other types of doors, however it isn't easy to install the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take their height to make sure they pass through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you've determined their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire a glazier when installing your cat flap in the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming hard. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to crack and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.
Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the shape drawn on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked as such If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole made, place the flap section up against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If upvc door panel with cat flap becomes stuck on any point, then you can use a file or a sandpaper to correct this.
It is also important to ensure whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door you'll be cutting through since they could be damaged by the jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are in the door, which have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, so they will not have to face these problems. But, if your door is made from wood or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, this could add to the complexity of the job.
It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is crucial 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, which could invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap in place to test if it fits and is able to open easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it fits correctly and opens without any problems. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits include a template for this but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws that you'll use to secure the flap into the right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this, it's best to hire a professional. They can also help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
It is possible to install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes since any modifications to these doors could void the warranty. If you choose to carry out the work yourself, be aware that it can be a messy and potentially dangerous job.
For composite doors, you'll typically require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is a risky task, and you'll require extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is a lot more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid timber door.