Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the house if required.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them inside when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It is important to take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are many 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 too large, and your cat may be unable to use it.
Use a ruler to determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the height of the door in a few places. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they want to use the flap!
If upvc cat flap door panels 're not sure of how to measure a door, it might be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work often. They should be able to assist you in determining whether not 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 after you have taken the measurements. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the long run!
Make sure you make the hole in the correct place. For example, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors you could want to let this job to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into an existing glass pane and you could 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 alone. It can also stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These types of doors are typically made from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturers as alterations may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
In general, these kinds of doors are built to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of door, but it can be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner prior to starting.
To ensure that your cat is able to pass through the door, you'll need to measure their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they don't move around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. You can then mark this position on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap in glass. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming brittle. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you could create your own by using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been drawn on the door, then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or closed.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and then open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use a file or rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you're going to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed to make room for the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them during the process.
The majority of people who install the cat flap themselves have an ordinary solid uPVC door, and therefore will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this can make the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it is worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid problems in the future. If you do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged, which could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap to check if it opens and fits well. If you notice any points that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit perfectly and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.
If your kit doesn't have a template, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper 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). Make four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screws you'll need to fix the flap in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. But, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be wise to get a professional to do the job for you. They will also be able to tell you if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.
It is possible to install a cat flap into composite doors but it's important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you choose to do the work yourself, be aware that it can be messy and dangerous job.
When you have composite doors, you'll generally need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll need to take extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same change in the case of a uPVC or solid wood door.