Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a good 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.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them in the house when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It is essential to examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it may be too large or small and your cat might have difficulty using it.
Before you take any action but use a ruler to take measurements of the width of the door in several locations along its edge. Also, you should determine the height of the door in a few places. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do an acrobatics routine each time it uses the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to buy.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the future!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct position. For instance, if you're fitting A cat flap the cat flap in the patio door, it's important that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is best to leave the installation of the cat flap onto the glass door to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane and you might be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they want without having to leave them on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it might 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 if it is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or replacement upvc door panel with cat flap door. Alterations may be detrimental to warranties.
They are designed to be durable and tough, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, however they can be difficult to install a cat flap into. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a upvc door panel with cat flap fitted door or composite.
You'll need to take their height to ensure that they can fit through the door. This is easiest if they are sleeping or calm, so that they aren't moving around too often. Once you know their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This position is marked on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you have be cautious. The process of drilling into metal could cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap into the glass pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap will come with a template that can be used to mark the spot on your door where the hole should be. If it doesn't, you could make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to properly fit into the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut out the shape that has been written on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC door use. It is usually labeled with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out then place the flap against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to fix this.
You should also check that there are no electric gas or cable lines within the door that you will be cutting through wall cat flap, because they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed to install the cat flap. You should be careful not to harm them during the process.
The majority of people who install the cat flap themselves have an ordinary solid uPVC door and won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, this can make the task.
It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs since it is essential to do them done right to avoid potential issues in the future. It is crucial to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap in place to test if it fits and is able to open easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door too.
Some kits come with templates for this, but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can use a piece or thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a 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 screws you'll use to put it into the right position.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite, this may be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be beneficial to engage a professional to handle the job for you. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.
It is possible to install a cat flap into composite doors. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so since any modifications to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.
When you have composite doors, you'll typically require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame rather than just through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid wooden door.