Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
From Shiapedia
The ability of your cat to come and go out of the home at its 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 when required.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It is important to take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc door panel replacement cat flap. Otherwise, it may be too big or small, and your cat could have trouble using it.
Take a ruler, and determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also determine the height of the door in a few places. A door that is too tall will cause your cat to do an acrobatics routine each time it wants to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of what to measure for 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 you should purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the shape of the hole on the door. This will provide you with an outline to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you money in the end!
Make sure that you put the hole in the right location. For instance, if Fitting A Cat Flap In A Upvc Door the cat flap in the patio door, it's important that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is best to delegate the job of installing the cat flap on a glass door to an experienced glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the cat flap installation
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you needing to leave him on his own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't good for you or your double glazing cat Flap.
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can cause warranty issues.
In general, these kinds of doors are made to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, however it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take their height in order to make sure they pass through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't move around. 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. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your fitting cat flap in upvc door panel flap inside a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A glazier will also be able to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and is 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 location on your door where the hole needs to go. If it doesn't, you can create your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is pencilled in on the door you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or close.
Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the shape marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such, if not ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once the hole is made then place the flap against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves easily. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to correct this.
Check that there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. You should be cautious not to scratch them in the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, so they won't be faced with these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that is not easily removed, it will make the task.
It is always worthwhile 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. If you do it wrong, it could cause the door to be damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap to check if it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any points which catch or stick or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits include a template for this however, even if yours does not, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and draw the area where you'll need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw holes will be used to secure it in place.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite material, this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be beneficial to engage an expert to complete the work for you. They can also inform you if the door is suitable for installing the cat flap.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
When you have composite doors, you'll generally require a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than simply through the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to cut holes in door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood door.
