Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
The ability of your cat to come and go out of the house at their own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet inside the home when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.
It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for your upvc door panel with cat flap fitted doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small and your cat may have trouble using it.
Get a ruler and measure the width at several places along the edges of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a few places. A door that is too high will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it uses the flap.
If you're unsure of how to measure a door, it might be a good idea to seek help from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work frequently. They should be able to help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to buy.
Mark out the shape of the hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will aid you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. If you're fitting a cat flap in a upvc door the cat flap onto the patio door, it is important that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have a glass door you could want to leave this task to a glazier. It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass 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 lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to leave them home to themselves. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not good for your cat or you.
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors with cat flap are typically made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different, too. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before installing the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties.
These doors are generally designed to last and are tough and have insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, but it isn't easy to install an animal flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat is able to get through the door, you'll have to take a measurement of their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. You can then mark this spot on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you need to be careful. The drilling process can make cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to crack and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap cover for winter flap comes with a template drawing that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole will go. If it doesn't, you can create one by using the thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape is drawn on the door, then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being able to slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will typically be labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole drilled and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it open to make sure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it binds at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed in order to fit the cat flap and be careful not to harm them in the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these problems. But, if your door is made from timber or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, this could increase the difficulty of the job.
For these types of jobs, it's worth getting expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is essential to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. If you do it wrong, it could lead to the door being damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to check if it opens and fits. If you find any points that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.
Some kits include an example of this, however, if it doesn't, you can use a piece or thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made 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 right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, you need to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you choose to carry out the work yourself, be aware that this could be messy and dangerous task.
For composite doors, you'll usually need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this could be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself, as it is extremely fragile. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is far more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wood door.