Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
The freedom to let your cat move around the house as it pleases is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around as they please without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them in the house when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
You should take measurements of the door to ensure you get 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 door made of upvc. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small, and your cat could be unable to use it.
Before you take any action but take a ruler and measure 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 tall can cause your cat to perform a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
If you're not sure of how to measure a door, it might be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work often. They will be able to assist you in determining whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap, and advise you on the right size of flap you should purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making an error that will cost you money in the future!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, it's important that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door, it might be best to let this job to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to install the cat flap onto the glass pane and you could discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want, without having to leave him home all by himself. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you consider fitting an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any 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 types of doors, however it isn't easy to install a cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat is able to pass through the door, you'll have to take a measurement of their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they aren't moving around. Once you know their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. This position is marked on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap into glass. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not then you can create one yourself with a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it does not then you can make one yourself using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the door, and it will not open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut the shape that has been marked on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC doors. It is usually marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole drilled and the flap section is in place, put it up against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound on any points then use a file or rasp to fix it.
Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to harm them during the process.
Most people who install the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door and will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative part that cannot be removed, this will complicate the task.
It is always worthwhile seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs as it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. If you do it wrong, it could lead to the door being damaged, which could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Place cat flap installation near me
After you've cut your hole, put the flap to check if it opens and fits well. If you notice any spots that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without issue. Be sure that the flap is in line with the door.
Some kits include templates for this, however, even if yours does not, you can use a piece or thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Lay the paper against the door and mark an area on which you'll want to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to put the flap into the correct position.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then it can be more challenging. If you are not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult an expert. They can also determine if your door is suitable for the installation of a cat flap.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first because any changes to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and may even be hazardous.
For composite doors, you'll typically need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door panel itself instead of just cutting through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll require extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to cut a hole in a door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood door.