Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
The freedom to let your cat flap cover for winter leave and enter the house at will is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around as they please without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect for keeping them in when you're home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It is essential to measure the door prior to when you purchase Fitting A Cat Flap In A Upvc Door cat flap since there are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too big or small, and your cat could be unable to use it.
Get a ruler and determine the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They will be able to assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
Draw the outline of the hole on your door after you have taken your measurements. This will assist you when you cut the hole and save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the correct location. For example, if you're installing the cat flap inside the patio door, it is important that the hole isn't too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door you could want to let this job to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat flap installation cost near me flap inside an existing glass pane and you might be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to go and come whenever they like without needing to leave them alone. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or you.
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors are often made with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. Before you decide to install an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer because alterations could affect any warranties.
In general, these kinds of doors are made to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need to measure their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. This position can be marked on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you need to be careful. The drilling process can make cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to engage a glazier when installing your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A Glazier is also 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 good quality cat flap comes with a template drawing that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole should go. If it doesn't, you can make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut the design that was marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will usually be identified with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it against it and then push it open to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it is bound at any point, use the filer or the rasp to fix this.
Also, make sure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door that you will be cutting into because they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are on the door which have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items during the process.
Most people who install the cat flap themselves have the standard solid uPVC door and will not be dealing with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that isn't 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 because it is crucial to get them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. Getting it wrong can cause the door to be damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to check whether it is able to open easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Be sure that the flap is in line with the door.
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 to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Make four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screws will be used to secure the flap to the door.
Most upvc door panel replacement cat flap door are solid and easy to cut. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They can also determine if your door is suitable to install a cat flap.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first because any changes to these types of doors could invalidate the warranty. If you choose to carry out the work yourself, remember that it can be messy and possibly dangerous job.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you'll require extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to create the door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood door.
