Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to move around the house as it pleases is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can 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 fitters near me flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you having to open the door. This is ideal for keeping them in when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home too!
It is essential to measure the door to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too big or small and your cat may have difficulty using it.
Before you take any action but take a ruler and measure the width of the door in a variety of places along its edge. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too tall will make your cat flap installation cost do an acrobatics routine each time it wants to use the flap.
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it could be best to seek help from a glazier or someone who does this type of work frequently. They should be able to help you determine whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap to purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will provide you with an outline to cutting the hole and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the end!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the right place. For instance, if installing the cat flap installation cost flap inside a patio door, it's important that the hole isn't too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door it is best to delegate this task to a glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap inside the glass pane and you might find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to go and come whenever they like without having to leave them alone. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat as well as you.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible prior to installing the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
In general, these kinds of doors are designed to be durable and tough with insulation included. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of door, but it isn't easy to install a cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your upvc door panels with cat flap or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner before beginning.
You'll need to determine their height in order to make sure they pass through the door. This is easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This location can be outlined on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap into the glass pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A Glazier is also able to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap comes with a drawing template that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole will go. If it isn't, you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, then use your spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut out the design that was marked 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 your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole drilled, place the flap section against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck on any point, then use a file or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap in upvc door panel flap and be careful not to damage them during this process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, so they won't have to deal with these issues. But, if your door is made from timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, this could make it more difficult to complete the task.
It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. It is important to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, put the flap to check whether it opens and fits well. If you spot any areas which catch or stick, 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 in line with the door.
Some kits come with a template for this however, if it doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and mark an area on which you'll want to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to put the flap into the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're unfamiliar with this, it might be advisable to hire a professional to do the work for you. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can install an opening for fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (no title) cat flap in composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so because any changes to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, remember that it can be messy and hazardous task.
You'll need a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. This can be a dangerous task, and you'll require extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's important to remember that cutting a hole into any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.