Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house whenever it wants is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for the cat to leave the home when necessary.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
It is essential to take measurements of the door to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or too large, and your cat may be unable to use it.
Take a ruler, and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a few places. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they need to use the flap!
Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure how to measure the door. cat flap www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and can help you decide on the size of flap you should purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is mark the outline of the hole in the door. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will stop you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the long run!
You should also make sure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. If you're fitting the cat flap onto a patio door it is vital that the hole doesn't get too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors it is best to leave this task to a glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to move around whenever they want without having to leave them to themselves. It also helps keep draughts out of your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it is compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are made to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, but it isn't easy to install a cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need to take a measurement of their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you've determined their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. Then, you can mark this position on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you have be cautious. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire a glass installer when installing a cat flap in the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap should come with a drawing template that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole will go. If it isn't, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it won't slide open or close.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will typically be labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out, place the flap section against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to remove it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut into. Your jigsaw could damage them. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are on the door that must be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects while cutting.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that cannot be removed, it will 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 future problems. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged and could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Fit the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap on to test if it fits and can be opened easily. If you notice any spots that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes at each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw points that you'll need to use to fix it in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire a professional. They should also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can install the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.
When you have composite doors, you'll usually need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door's frame rather than just through the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you will need to take extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is a lot more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.