Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house at will is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the house if required.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet inside the home when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from entering.
It is important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap since there are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it might be too small or large for your cat flaps and he will struggle to use it.
Use a ruler to measure the width at several places along the edges of the door. Also, measure the door's height in a few places. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They will be able to assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, fitting a cat flap in a Upvc door the next step to do is mark out the shape of the hole on the door. 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!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the right place. If you are fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (sneak a peek here) an apex flap to an outdoor door, fitting a cat flap in A upvc door it's vital that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to leave the task of installing the cat flap on a glass door to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without you needing to leave him all by himself. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for you or your cat.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors with cat flap are made of different materials and the installation is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may be detrimental to warranties.
They are designed to be durable and tough, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, but they can be a challenge to insert an animal flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before starting.
You'll have to measure the height of your child to ensure that they can fit through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you have their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This location is marked on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you will need be cautious. The process of drilling into metal could cause it to crack, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming brittle. 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
A high-quality cat flap comes with a drawing template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole will be. If it doesn't, you can make one using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut the shape drawn on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly, if not ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and open it, making sure that the flap moves easily. If it is bound at any point, use a filer or a rasp to fix this.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door, and therefore will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element 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 since it is essential to do them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. It is crucial to do it right because getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap to check if it opens and fits. If you notice any spots that stick or catch to the door, smooth them out using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without issue. Make sure the flap is in a flush position with the door.
If your kit doesn't include a template, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Lay the paper against the door and draw a line where you will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screws you'll need to use to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult an expert. They can also advise you on whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes since any modifications to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
With composite doors, you'll usually require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than simply through the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to make a hole in a door glass than it is for a uPVC door or solid wood doors.