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 physically and mentally active. A flap can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without having 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 as well!
You should examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. This ensures that you get the right size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it might be too small or large and your cat flap installers near me will have trouble using it.
Before you take any action but use a ruler to measure the length of the door in several locations along its edge. You should also determine the height of the door in a few places. This is because the door that is too high can cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They will 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.
Draw the shape of the hole on your door once you have the measurements. This will aid you when cutting the hole, and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is placed in the right spot. For instance, if installing the cat flap on the patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have a glass door it is best to let this job to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to fit the cat flap onto the glass pane, and you may discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they wish without having to leave him on his own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These kinds of doors are typically made with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different, too. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can be detrimental to warranties.
In general, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
You'll need to determine their height in order to make sure they fit through the door. This is easiest when they're asleep or calm so that they aren't moving around too often. 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 position can be outlined on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into metal can cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an experienced glass installer to install an e-cat flap on the pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming fragile. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat flap in bifold doors. This is less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap should come with a drawing template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to be. If it isn't, you can make one yourself using the thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, then use a spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to properly fit into the door and prevent it from being able to 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 typically be marked with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole cut out then place the flap against it and then push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound on any point, then you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix it.
Also, make sure whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door you will be cutting through as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that will have to be removed in order to install the cat flap bifold doors flap and be careful not to harm them during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't be faced with these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this will complicate the task.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. Getting it wrong can cause the door to be damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, place the flap to see whether it opens and fits well. If you notice any spots that stick or catch, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it is a perfect fit and opens without issue. Be sure that the flap is in line with the door.
If your tool doesn't have an example, you could make use of thin paper such as tracing or acetate. Place the paper against the door and draw a line where you need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screw holes will be used to secure it in place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite material, this can be more complicated. If you're not experienced in this area, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the job for you. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you are 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 could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that it could be a messy job and even dangerous.
When you have composite doors, you'll usually require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame rather than simply through the GRP. This can be a dangerous task, and you'll require extra care to avoid damaging the door. It is important to note that it's more difficult to create a hole in a door glass than in a upvc door panel with cat flap door or a solid wood door.
