Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the house 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 exit the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without you having to open the door. This is a great way to keep your pet inside the house when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
It is essential to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the right size to fit inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it could be too small or too large and your cat will have trouble using it.
Get a ruler and determine the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They will be able to assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
Mark out the shape of the hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the long run!
Make sure to put the hole in the correct place. If you're fitting an apex flap to the patio door, it is vital that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the task of installing a window cat flap flap on glass doors to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass, and you may be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they like without needing to leave them on their own. It can also help to keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat flap install!
If you do have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and you have checked with the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, but they may be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
You'll have to measure their height in order to make sure they fit through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap installation flap needs to be. Then, you can mark this spot 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 in the case of toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap into the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming brittle. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could create your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, then use a spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening, and it will not slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the design that was written on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC door use. It is usually identified 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 then push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it is bound on any point, then you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix it.
Check that there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them during this process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they will not have to face these problems. But, if your door is made of timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, this could make it more difficult to complete the job.
For these types of jobs, it is important to get guidance from a cat-flap fitting a cat flap in a upvc door expert. It is important to do them correctly to avoid any future issues. If you do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged, which could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap in place to see if it fits and is able to open easily. If you find any points that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Make four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw points that will be used to secure the flap in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to hire a professional. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable to install an animal flap.
You can install the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so because any changes to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, be aware that it can be a messy and potentially hazardous task.
With composite doors, you'll usually require a grinder or saw to cut through the door panel itself instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll have to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself, as it's extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to cut the door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.