Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to enter and go from the house at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they'd like without needing to open the door. This is ideal to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap since there are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it could be too small or too large for your cat and he will struggle to use it.
Before doing anything, though, take a ruler and determine the width of the door in various places along its edge. Also, determine how much to install a cat flap in a few spots. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine every time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it may be best to ask for assistance from a glazier or someone who performs this type of work often. They will be able to assist you in determining whether not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and advise you on the right size of flap to purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is mark the shape of the hole in the door. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the end!
Make sure to put the hole in the right place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is best to delegate the job of installing a cat flap on glass doors to an experienced glazier. It may be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go as they please without you having to leave them home to themselves. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not good for your cat or you.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, however they can be difficult to install an animal flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need determine their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you have their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you need be extra cautious. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside the glass pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap comes with a template that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole will go. If it does not then 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 you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the door and prevent it from being able to slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the shape written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly, if not ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole drilled and the flap section is in place, put it against it and then push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound at any point, use the filer or the rasp to correct this.
Also, make sure that there are no electric cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting through, as they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed to make room for the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them during this process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't be faced with these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this can make the task.
It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs because it is crucial to get them done right to avoid possible issues in the future. Getting it wrong can cause the door to be damaged, which could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've cut your hole, you can place the flap to see if it opens and fits well. If you spot any areas that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is in line with the door.
Some kits come with a template for this however, even if yours does not, 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 drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these are the screw holes that you'll use to secure it into the correct position.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then it can be more challenging. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to handle the job for you. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors, but it is important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be a messy job and even dangerous.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself, as it is very fragile. It's important to remember that it's much more difficult to make a hole in a door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood doors.