Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to come and go out of the home at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically active. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without you having to open the door. This is ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the home too!
You should measure the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This ensures you get the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large and your cat will struggle to use it.
Before you take any action however, you should take a ruler and take measurements of the width of the door in various places along its edges. You should also determine the door's height in a few places. A door that is too high will make your cat do an acrobatics routine each time it wants to use the flap.
If upvc door panel with cat flap Repair My Windows And Doors of how to measure the door, it could be best to ask for assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this type of work often. They will be able to help you determine whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is mark out the shape of the hole on the door. This will help you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
Make sure to put the hole in the right location. If you're installing the cat flap onto the patio door, it is important that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass it is best to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to insert a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass, and you may discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you needing to leave him all by himself. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not good for your cat as well as you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could 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 you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could be detrimental to warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are made to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be difficult to install a cat flap into. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner prior to starting.
To ensure that your cat is able to pass through the door, you'll need measure their height. This is easiest when they're asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This location can be marked on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you need be cautious. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install a cat flap in the pane. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to crack and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap will come with a template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to be. If it doesn't, you could create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). 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 allow your cat flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut the shape that has been drawn on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will typically be marked with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it binds on any points then you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix it.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within 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 to fit the cat flap and be careful not to harm them during this process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, it will make the task.
It is always worth seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs since it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid possible issues in the future. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Fit the Flap
Once you've made your hole, place the flap and check if it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any spots that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, however, if it doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. 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 drawn on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws that you'll use to secure it into the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this, it might be wise to get a professional to do the job for you. They can also tell you if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.
You'll need a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll have to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself since it is extremely fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.