Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house whenever it wants is an excellent method to keep your pet 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 is required to. Measure the Door A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from getting into your. It's important to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too large or too small and your cat might have trouble using it. Before you take any action but use a ruler to take measurements of the width of the door in various locations along its edge. You should also determine the door's height in a few places. A door that is too tall will make your cat do an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap. Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and advise you on the right size of flap to buy. Draw the outline of the hole on your door once you have the measurements. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the long run! You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the right place. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it is important that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal. It is best to leave the task of installing the cat flap onto a glass door to an experienced glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal. Measure the Cat A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you needing to leave him alone. It can also stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for either 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 way they are installed is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties. In general, these kinds of doors are made to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, but it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner before beginning. You'll need to determine their height in order to ensure they fit through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they don't sway around. Once you know their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. You can then mark this spot on the door. If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. The act of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use. Cut the Hole If it does not however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or close. Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will typically be labeled with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole drilled, place the flap section against it and then push it out to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it binds on any point, then you can use a file or a sandpaper to correct this. Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are in the door, which have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items while cutting. The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't be faced with these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, this can make the job. It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is important to get them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. It is important to get it right as getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty. Place cat flap install Repair My Windows And Doors Once you have cut your hole, place the flap and check whether it opens and fits. If you spot any areas that stick or catch, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it is a perfect fit and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap is flush with the door too. If your tool doesn't have a template, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screw points that you'll use to secure it into the right position. The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They will also be able to determine if your door is suitable for the installation of the cat flap. If you want to install a cat flap on composite doors, you need to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be a messy and potentially dangerous job. You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will require extra care to not damage the door. It is important to note that it's more difficult to cut the door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.