Allowing your cat flap bifold doors to move around the house at will is a great way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the house if needed.

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 is a great way to keep your pet inside the house when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.

It is important to measure the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it may be too large or too small and your cat might have trouble using it.

Use a ruler to determine the width at several places along the edges of the door. You should also determine the door's height in a few places. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do an acrobatics routine each time it is tempted to use the flap.

If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be best to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work regularly. They will be able to assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap to buy.

Mark out the shape of the hole on your door once you have the measurements. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the end!

You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. For example, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.

It is best to leave the job of installing a cat flap in upvc door cost flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want, without needing to leave him on his own. It can also help to keep draughts out of your house, which aren't good for you or your cat!

However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Before you consider fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (longisland.com) an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible and you have checked with the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.

They are designed to last and are tough, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, but they may be a challenge to insert the cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.

You'll need to determine their height in order to ensure that they can pass through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they don't move around. Once you know their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This location can be outlined on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire a glass installer when installing the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

A good quality cat flap will come with a drawing template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole will be. If it doesn't, you could create your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape is drawn on the door, you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat flap installation near me flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being capable of sliding open or closed.

Next, use your jigsaw and cut the shape marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be labelled accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out then place the flap up against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or rasp to correct this.

Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have to be removed to make room for the cat flap and be careful not to harm them during the process.

Most people who fit a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, this will complicate the job.

For these types of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged, which could cause the warranty to be invalidated.

Install the Flap

Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to see if it fits and can be opened easily. If you notice any spots that catch or stick, file them down with the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without issue. Make sure the flap is flush with the door too.

Some kits come with an example of this, however, if it doesn't have a template, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper against the door and mark the area where you'll need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes on every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screw holes you'll need to fix it in place.

Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite, this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it might be advisable to hire 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.

If you're planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is important to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you choose to carry out the work yourself, remember that this can be a messy and potentially hazardous task.

You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it is extremely fragile. It's important to remember that cutting a hole in any type of glass for a door is much more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.