Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to leave and enter the house at will is an excellent method to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go at their own pace, without having to open the door for them. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house the home when you're away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!
You should measure the door to ensure that you have the right size cat flap install flap. There are a variety of sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too large or too small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Before you take any action however, you should use a ruler to measure the length of the door in various places along its edges. You should also measure the door's height in a couple of places. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to do the gymnast's routine each time they want to use the flap!
Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to buy.
Draw the outline of your hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will aid you when you cut the hole, and will save you money!
Make sure to put holes in the right place. For example, if you're Fitting a cat flap the cat flap in the patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the installation of a cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap fitters near me flap into an existing pane of glass, and you may discover 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 home to themselves. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not good for your cat or you.
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Before you consider fitting cat flap in upvc door panel the cat flap on your upvc door panels cat flap or composite door, make sure that it's compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturers as alterations may affect any warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of doors, but it isn't easy to install a cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need determine their height. This is easiest when they're asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too often. Once you've established their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. You can then mark this spot on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be cautious. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your double glazing cat flap flap into glass. This will prevent 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 will be less likely to crack and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the shape marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC door use. It is usually labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out, place the flap section against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds on any points then use a file or rasp to correct this.
You should also check whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door you'll be cutting into because they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. Be careful not to harm 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 will not have to face these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative part that is not easily removed, this will complicate the task.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs since it is crucial to get the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. It is essential to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap on to test whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you find any points that stick or catch, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it is a perfect fit and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.
If your kit doesn't have templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and mark an area on which you'll need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Make four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw points that will be used to secure the flap to the door.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then it can be more challenging. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for the installation of an animal flap.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, remember that this can be messy and dangerous job.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's important to remember that it's much more difficult to cut holes in door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood door.