Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to come and go from the house at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house if needed.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It is essential to take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or too large and your cat will be unable to use it.
Use a ruler to measure the width at several places along the edges of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too tall will make your cat do an exercise routine every time it uses the flap.
Ask a glazier for help if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap to purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will aid you when cutting the hole and save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. If you are fitting a cat flap in a upvc door - click to find out more, a cat flap to a patio door it is important that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the job of installing the cat flap onto a glass door to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you needing to leave him alone. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat as well as you.
If you have a uPVC door or composite door cat flap, it may be difficult to install a cat flap installer flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may be detrimental to warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure their height to ensure they pass through the door. This is easier if they are asleep or calm, Fitting a cat Flap In a upvc door so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you've established their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This location can be marked on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door cat flap door, you will need be extra cautious. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an expert glass installer when putting in an e-cat flap on a pane. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not however, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it does not then you can create one by using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has already been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will usually be marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole made then place the flap against it and push it out to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it is bound on any points then make use of a file or a rasp to correct this.
It is also important to ensure that there are no electric gas or cable lines within the door that you will be cutting through because they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to make room for the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them during the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, this will complicate the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is important to complete the job 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.
Place the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap in place to check whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch, file them down with the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Be sure that the flap is in line with the door.
If your tool doesn't have templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place the paper against the door and draw a line where you want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Make four screw holes at each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screws you'll need to use to fix it in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to handle the work for you. They will also be able to determine if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap cover for winter flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first confirm 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, bear in mind that it could be a messy job and even dangerous.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you will have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It is important to note that it is much more difficult to create the door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.