Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house at will is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the house if required.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around as they please without having to open the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them in the house when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
It is essential to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap as there are a variety of sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too large or small and your cat may be unable to use it.
Before you take any action but use a ruler to determine the width of the door in various places along its edge. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
If you're unsure of how to measure a door, it might be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this kind of work often. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to buy.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken your measurements. This will aid you when you cut the hole, and will save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the correct position. If you are fitting a cat Flap in a upvc Door the window cat flap flap onto an outdoor door, it's vital that the hole doesn't reach too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors you could want to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to insert the cat flap onto an existing glass pane and you could discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flaps for french doors flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want, without needing to leave him on his own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't beneficial for you or your cat.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are typically made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different as well. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could be detrimental to warranties.
They are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, however it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto a upvc cat flap door panels door or composite.
You'll need to determine their height to ensure they fit through the door. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too much. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This position can be outlined on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you have to be careful. The process of drilling into metal can cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire a glass installer when installing a cat flap in a pane. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat flap cover for winter. This will be less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't however, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). After the shape has been penciled on the door, use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to properly fit into the opening and stop it from being able to slide open or closed.
Next, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC doors. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it binds at any point, use a file or rasp to fix this.
You should also check whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes inside the door you'll be cutting into since they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed in order to install the cat flap and be careful not to harm them during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these problems. However, if your door is made of timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed then this will increase the difficulty of the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it's important to get advice from a cat flap fitter. It is important to do them correctly to avoid any future issues. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged, which could invalidate the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap on to test if it fits and is able to open easily. If you notice any points which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
Some kits come with a template for this however, if it doesn't, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to fit it into the right position.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If the door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can fit a cat flap into composite doors but it's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so since any modifications to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you choose to carry out the work yourself, be aware that it can be messy and hazardous task.
For composite doors, you'll typically require a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take great care not to harm the door or yourself as it is extremely fragile. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is much more difficult than making the same changes in a uPVC or solid wood door.