Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing accidents with toilets by making it easier for the cat to leave the house if required.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around 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 getting into your.
It is important to take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the right size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large and your fitting cat flap in upvc door panel will struggle to use it.
Before you take any action however, you should take a ruler and measure the length of the door in various places along its edge. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few places. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an acrobatics routine each time it wants to use the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it may be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this kind of work regularly. They should be able to help you determine whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap you should purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is mark the outline of the hole in the door. This will help you when you cut the hole and save you money!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct place. If you're fitting a cat flap in a Upvc door a cat flap to an outdoor door, it's vital that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass, it might be best to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. It is also possible that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come whenever they want without having to leave them home alone. It can also stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can cause warranty issues.
These doors are typically designed to last and are tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert an animal flap. If you're uncertain about whether your replacement upvc door panel with cat flap or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner prior to starting.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. This is easiest when they're asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too much. 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. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install an e-cat flap on a pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole to use for the cat flap, which will be less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't then you can create one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can create your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been drawn on the door, then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and will not open or close.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It is usually identified with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap up against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed in order to fit the cat flap. You should be cautious not to scratch them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed then this will make it more difficult to complete the task.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert window cat flap flap fitter for these kinds of jobs since it is essential to do them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. It is important to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've cut your hole, put the flap to see whether it opens and fits. If you notice any spots that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits correctly and opens without issue. Make sure that the flap sits flush with the door too.
Some kits include templates for this, but even if yours doesn't, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Lay the paper against the door and mark a line where you will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screws that you'll use to secure the flap into place.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If the door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this then it may be advisable to hire a professional to do the work for you. They should also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you want to install a cat flap into composite door cat flap doors, you need to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
When you have composite doors, you'll typically need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to make a hole in a door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.