Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to move around the house at will is a great way to keep your pet physically active 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 whenever it wants to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come whenever they want without having to open the door for them. cat flap fitters near me makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
You should measure the door to ensure that you get the right size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it could be too large or small and your cat might have difficulty using it.
Get a ruler and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also determine the height of the door in a few places. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They can determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can advise you on what size flap to buy.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is mark out the shape of the hole on the door. This will give you a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you money in the end!
Make sure to put the hole in the right place. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside a patio door, you must ensure that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is best to leave the installation of a cat flap on a glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they wish without needing to leave him all by himself. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to weather than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll have to determine their height. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. Once you have their height and weight, you can determine the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the position of the flap's bottom. This location can be outlined on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's highly advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not then you can create one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you could make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape has already been penciled on the door, utilize your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the door, and it will not open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will typically be marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made, place the flap section against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to remove it.
It is also important to ensure whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door you will be cutting into since they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door that will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects while cutting.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door, and therefore won't have to deal with any of these issues. But, if your door is constructed of timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will add to the complexity of the task.
It is always worth seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs as it is crucial to get them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap on to see whether it opens easily. If you notice any points that stick or catch, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
Some kits come with templates for this, however, if it 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 to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes at each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screws you'll need to fix the flap to the door.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite material, it can be more challenging. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They can also advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you choose to complete the task yourself, be aware that it can be a messy and potentially hazardous task.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take great care not to harm the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's important to remember that it is much more difficult to make holes in door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.