Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
The ability of your cat to come and go out of the home at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally active. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without opening the door for them. This is ideal to keep them in the house when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the home as well!
It is important to measure the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it may be too large or too small and your cat may have difficulty using it.
Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do an exercise routine every time it uses the flap.
Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is mark the outline of the hole on the door. This will provide you with an outline to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors it is best to let this job to a glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you having to leave him home alone. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't good for your cat or you.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, but they may be difficult to fit the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat is able to access the door, you'll need to determine their height. This will be easiest if they are 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 flap's bottom. This position can be outlined 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 act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap into the glass pane. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming fragile. A glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level and ensure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the door and prevent it from being in a position to slide open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut out the shape written on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out, place the flap section against it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, use a filer or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fittings in the door, which must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items during the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these problems. However, if through wall cat flap is made from wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will add to the complexity of the task.
For these types of jobs, it's worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is essential to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. It is important to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to check whether it is able to open easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens without issue. Make sure the flap is in line with the door.
If your kit doesn't include 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 the area where you'll will need to place the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these will be the screw points you'll use to fit it in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is recommended that you hire a professional. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first since any modifications to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and could be dangerous.
For composite doors, you'll typically require a grinder or saw to cut through the door's frame instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to cut holes in door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood door.