Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. A flap can aid in reducing accidents with toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the home when needed.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them in the house when you're home or away and helps keep unwanted pests from the home too!
It is essential to measure the door to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. You should then make sure 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 could have trouble using it.
Before you take any action however, you should use a ruler to measure the length of the door in several locations along its edge. Also, you should measure the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too high will make your cat do an exercise routine every time it wants to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They should be able to help you determine whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark the outline of the hole on the door. This will give you a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making an error that will cost you money in the end!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the right place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors, it might be best to leave this task to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to fit a cat flap inside an existing glass pane and you could discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they wish without having to leave him home all by himself. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit fitting a cat flap in a upvc Door cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you decide to install an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it is compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturer because alterations could affect any warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of doors, but it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap bifold doors flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to starting.
To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need to measure their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't move around. 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 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 process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap into glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap installation cost near me flap should come with a template drawing that can be used to mark the spot 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). After the shape has been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be labelled accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once the hole is made, place the flap section against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use a file or rasp to fix it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut through wall cat flap. Your jigsaw could damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. You should be cautious not to scratch them during the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid uPVC door, and therefore won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that is not easily removed, it will make the job.
It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is essential to do them right to avoid any potential problems in the future. It is crucial to get it right, as doing it wrong can 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 is able to fit. If you spot any areas 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. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.
If your tool 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 in order to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Draw four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screw points that will be used to secure the flap to the door.
The majority of upvc door panel replacement cat flap doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then it can be more challenging. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to handle the job for you. They should also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you're planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is important to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and could be dangerous.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's important to remember that it is much more difficult to create a hole in a door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood door.