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 mentally and physically active. 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 needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go as they please without having to open the door for them. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the home as well!
It is essential to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or too large for your cat and he will have trouble using it.
Before you take any action, though, use a ruler to measure the length of the door in a variety of places along its edge. Also, determine the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too tall will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it wants to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to buy.
Draw the outline of the hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making an error that will cost you money in the future!
You should also make sure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. If you're installing a cat flap to a patio door it is vital that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors you could want to let this job to a glazier. It may be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. It is also possible that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to come and go as they please without you having to leave them home to themselves. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat as well as you.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These types of doors are typically made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer because alterations could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be difficult to install an animal flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll have to take a measurement of their height. This will be easiest when they're asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. You can then mark this position on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you need be cautious. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to crack and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it isn't, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape has already been drawn on the door, use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it will not slide open or close.
Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the design that is on the door. Make sure you are 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 assistance. Once you have the hole cut out, place the flap section up against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, use a file or rasp to fix this.
Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed to install the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap cost near me flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC door, and therefore will not have to worry about any of these problems. But, if your door is made from timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will make it more difficult to complete the task.
For these types of jobs, it's important to get guidance from a cat-flap fitting a cat flap in a upvc door expert. It is crucial to perform them correctly to avoid problems in the future. It is important to do it right because making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap in place to check whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you find any points that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without issue. Make sure the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits come with templates for this, however, if it doesn't have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to put it into the right position.
Most uPVC doors with cat flap are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite material, this can be more complicated. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be advisable to hire an expert to complete the work for you. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap fitting near me flap in composite doors but it's important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, be aware that this could be messy and hazardous task.
For composite doors, you'll typically require a grinder or saw to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this can be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take great care not to damage the door or yourself since it is very fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wooden door.