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. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without having to open the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet safe in the house when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
You should take measurements of the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap double glazing flap is the correct size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or too small and your cat might have trouble using it.
Take a ruler, and determine the width at several places along the edges of the door. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few places. This is because doors that are too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They should be able to help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to purchase.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making an error that will cost you money in the long run!
Make sure that you put the hole in the right place. If you are fitting a cat flap in A Upvc door the cat flap onto the patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't get too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the installation of the cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they wish without having to leave him home on his own. It can also stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Before you consider fitting cat flap in upvc door panel an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturers as alterations may affect any warranties.
In general, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before beginning.
To ensure that your cat is able to access the door, you'll need take a measurement of their height. This is easiest when they're sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too much. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this position on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to engage a glazier when installing your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier will also be capable of providing you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it does not then you can make one using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, you can then use a 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 capable of sliding open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC door use. It is usually marked with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole cut out and the flap section is in place, put it against it and then push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it is bound on any point, then make use of a file or a rasp to correct this.
You should also check that there are no electric cables or gas pipes within the door that you will be cutting through since they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed in order to fit the cat flap. You should be careful not to harm them in the process.
Most people who fit the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative part that cannot be removed, this can make the task.
For these types of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, put the flap to check if it opens and fits. If you spot any areas that stick or catch, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit perfectly and can be opened without issue. Make sure that the flap is perfectly flush with the door.
If your tool doesn't have templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or acetate. 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). Mark four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw points that will be used to secure it in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be beneficial to engage an expert to complete the work for you. They should also be able to help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be messy and could be dangerous.
With composite doors, you'll generally require a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole in any kind of glass door is a lot more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid wooden door.