Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests out of your.
You should examine the door's measurements to ensure that you get the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or large for your cat and he will have trouble using it.
Before you take any action but take a ruler and take measurements of the width of the door in a variety of places along its edges. You should also determine the door's height in a few places. A door that is too high will make your cat do an exercise routine every time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who performs this kind of work regularly. They'll be able help you determine whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the shape of the hole in the door. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making an error that will cost you money in the end!
Make sure you make the hole in the correct location. If you're installing an apex flap to the patio door, it is crucial that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could lead to 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 can be difficult to fit a cat flap inside the glass pane and you could be surprised to find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they wish without needing to leave him alone. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat.
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Before you decide to install a cat flap bifold doors flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturer because alterations could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
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, however they can be difficult to fit the cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door cat flap door will accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll have to take a measurement of their height. This is easier if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. Once you've determined their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This location is marked on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you have be cautious. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage a glazier when installing your cat flap inside the glass pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap comes with a template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to be. If it doesn't, create your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been drawn on the door, then use your spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening and will not open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the design that was marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked as such, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once the hole is cut, place the flap section against it and open it to make sure the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.
Check that there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you plan to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fittings in the door, which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap bifold doors flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these issues. If your door is made of wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, this could add to the complexity of the task.
For these types of jobs, it's worth getting expert guidance from a cat flap in upvc door panel-flap Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door expert. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. It is important to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap on to see whether it will fit and opens easily. If you find any points that stick or catch to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they are able to fit and open without any problems. Make sure that the flap sits flush with the door too.
If your tool doesn't have a template, you can use thin paper like tracing or acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to fit it into the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If the door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this then it may be wise to get a professional to do the work for you. They should also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can install a cat flap into composite doors, but it is important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, remember that it can be a messy and potentially dangerous task.
You'll require an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you'll need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's important to remember that cutting a hole into any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid wooden door.