Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the home at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can aid in reducing the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for your cat to leave the house if necessary. Measure the Door A cat flap lets 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 home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the house as well! It is essential to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap since there are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the right size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or too large for your cat and he will have trouble using it. Use a ruler to measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap! Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy. After you've gotten your measurements, the next step to do is mark the shape of the hole in the door. cat flap fitters will give you a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you money in the long run! Make sure you make holes in the right position. For instance, if you're fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal. If you have an opening made of glass you could want to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to insert the cat flap onto an existing 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 move around whenever they like without needing to leave them on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't beneficial for you or your cat. If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may cause warranty issues. These doors are generally designed to be tough and durable and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner before starting. You'll have to measure the height of your child to ensure they fit through the door. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too much. Once you have their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. You can then mark this position on the door. If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in a cat flap in a pane. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to crack and is safer for your kitty to use. Cut the Hole If it does not then you can create one yourself using a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could create your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap sits properly in the door, and it will not slide open or close. Next, use your jigsaw and cut the shape written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors – usually it will be marked as such however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once the hole is made then place the flap against it and open it, making sure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck on any points then you can use a file or a sandpaper to correct this. Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that will have to be removed in order to fit the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them in the process. Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and so won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, it will make the job. It is always worthwhile seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs since it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged and could invalidate the warranty. Place the Flap Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap and check whether it opens and fits. If you notice any points that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap is flush with the door. Some kits include templates for this, however, if it doesn't provide a template, you could use a piece of thin paper instead – something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line in order to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screw holes will be used to secure the flap in place. Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. If your door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to do the job for you. They will also be able to determine if your door is suitable for the installation of the cat flap. If you want to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors may make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, remember that it can be messy and possibly hazardous task. For composite doors, you'll generally need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. This is a risky job, and you will have to be extra careful to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is a lot more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.