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 way to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come as they please without having to open the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet safe in the house when you are away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from entering.
It's important to measure the door prior to when you buy the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too big or small, and your cat could have difficulty using it.
Get a ruler and measure the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should determine the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too high will make your cat do an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
If you're not sure of how to measure a door, it might be best to seek help from a glazier or someone who performs this type of work regularly. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and help you decide on the size of flap to buy.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is mark out the shape of the hole in the door. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. If you are fitting a cat flap in a upvc door a cat flap to a patio door it is crucial that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the job of installing a cat flap on a glass door to an experienced glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they want without needing to leave them to themselves. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not good for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can be detrimental to warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, however they can be difficult to fit the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they don't move around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to break and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap should come with a template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to go. If it doesn't, you could create your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or closed.
Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the shape marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will typically be labeled with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. Once the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and then open it, making sure that the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.
It is also important to ensure that there are no electric cables or gas pipes inside the door you'll be cutting into as they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door which must be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items during the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't be faced with these issues. If your door is made from wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, this could add to the complexity of the task.
It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs because it is crucial to get them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. If you do it wrong, it could cause the door to be damaged and could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Fit the Flap
After you've cut your hole, put the flap to see if it opens and is able to fit. If you find any points that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.
Some kits come with a template for this but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Lay the paper against the door and mark an area on which you'll need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These are the screw holes you'll use to put the flap into the correct position.
The majority of upvc door panels with cat flap door are solid and easy to cut. But, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They will also be able determine if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap installation cost flap on composite doors, you need to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, remember that this could be a messy and potentially hazardous task.
For composite doors, you'll generally need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be aware that this can be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself since it's extremely fragile. It's important to remember that it's more difficult to make holes in door glass than in fitting a cat flap in a upvc door uPVC door or solid wood doors with cat flap.