Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to leave and enter the house at will is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the house if needed.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from getting into your.
It's important to measure the door before you buy a cat flap as there are a variety of sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large and your cat will struggle to use it.
Take a ruler, and take measurements of the width at various places along the edges of the door. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few places. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for help if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap you should purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door once you have your measurements. Repair My Windows And Doors UK will aid you when you cut the hole and save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. For instance, if fitting the cat flap in a patio door, you must ensure that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is best to delegate the job of installing the cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap into the glass pane and you might find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they wish without having to leave him home alone. It can also keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!
If you do have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, but they can be difficult to install a cat flap into. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
To ensure that your cat is able to get 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 don't sway around. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. Then, you can mark this location 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. The drilling process can make cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in the glass pane. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming brittle. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap comes with a template that you can use to mark the spot on your door where the hole will go. If it doesn't, you can make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is drawn on the door you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to be properly seated in the opening and stop it from being in a position to slide open or closed.
Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the design that is on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It is usually labeled with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. After the hole has been cut and the flap is placed against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves easily. If it binds at any point, use a filer or a rasp to fix this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. You should also be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items while cutting.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that isn't easily removed, this can make the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is crucial to do them correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Place the Flap
After you've cut your hole, you can place the flap to check if it opens and is able to fit. 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 any problems. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't have an example, you could use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to fix the flap in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're not comfortable with this, it is best to hire a professional. They should also be able to advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you do decide to do the work yourself, be aware that this can be messy and possibly dangerous job.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of glass for a door is far more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wood door.