Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to come and go from the house at their own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the house if needed.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without having to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them inside when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the home too!
It is important to examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size to fit inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it could be too small or too large for your cat and he will be unable to use it.
Take a ruler, and determine the width at several places along the edges of the door. You should also determine the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it may be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this type of work regularly. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw out the shape of the hole on the door. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!
Make sure to put the hole in the correct 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.
If you have glass doors, it might be best to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to insert the cat flap onto an existing glass pane, and you may find that the process causes it to break and lose 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 alone. It can also help to keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Before cat flap installers near me decide to install an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it is compatible and you have checked with the manufacturers as alterations may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
To ensure that your cat can access the door, you'll have to determine their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the location of the flap's bottom. This location can be outlined on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap hole that is 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 by using a piece of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can create one by using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is a good choice). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening and will not open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the shape that has been written on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly, if not ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. After the hole has been cut, place the flap section against it and then open it, making sure that the flap moves easily. If it binds on any point, then use a file or rasp to fix this.
It is also important to ensure whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door you will be cutting through because they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them in the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, so they won't have to deal with these problems. But, if your door is constructed of timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will add to the complexity of the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is essential to do them correctly to avoid future problems. It is important to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap to see if it opens and fits. If you spot any areas that catch or stick or stick, you can file them down using an sandpaper or hand file until it is a perfect fit and opens without any problems. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screw points that you'll use to secure it into the right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is best to hire an expert. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this can be messy and possibly dangerous task.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. This is a risky task, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole in any kind of glass door is a lot more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid wood door.