Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house whenever it wants is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. A flap can reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for the cat to leave the house when needed.
Measure the Door
A cat flap cover for winter flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
It is essential to examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or large for your cat and he will have trouble using it.
Take a ruler, and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They will be able 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 thing to do is to draw the shape of the hole in the door. This will help you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!
Make sure that you put holes in the right position. For example, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, you must ensure that the hole is not too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is recommended to leave the task of installing the cat flap fitters flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat flap inside an existing glass pane, and you may discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A double glazing cat flap flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to leave him on his own. It also helps keep draughts out of your house, which aren't good for you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the process of installing them is different. Before you consider Fitting A Cat Flap In A Upvc Door an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible and you have checked with the manufacturers as alterations may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
These doors are generally designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, but they may be difficult to fit an animal flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat flap install is able to access the door, you'll need to determine their height. This is easiest if they are asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you know their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the location of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be extra cautious. The process of drilling into the metal may cause it to crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap in glass. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap will come with a template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole should go. If it doesn't, you can make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape has already been drawn on the door, utilize your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once the hole is made then place the flap against it and then open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use the filer or the rasp to correct this.
It is also important to ensure that there are no electric cables or gas pipes within the door that you will be cutting into as they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fittings in the door, which must be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items while cutting.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, so they will not have to face these problems. If your door is made of wood or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, it will increase the difficulty of the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could cause the door to be damaged and could invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to see if it fits and can be opened easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap is flush with the door too.
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 a line to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Make 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 strong and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is recommended to consult an expert. They will also be able to determine if your door is suitable for the installation of an animal flap.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first because any changes to these doors with cat flap may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and even dangerous.
You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to cut the door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood door.