Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to leave and enter the house at will is an excellent way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house if necessary.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to open the door. This is ideal to keep them in the house when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home too!
It is important to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, 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. You should also determine the door's height in a couple of places. This is because doors that are too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it may be best to seek help from a glazier or someone who does this type of work regularly. They'll be able assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark out the shape of the hole on the door. This will aid you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this can 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 within an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to move around as they please without you needing to leave them on their own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not good for you or your cat.
If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different, too. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.
Generally speaking, these types 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 difficult to install the cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to starting.
To ensure that your cat can get through the door, you'll have to take a measurement of their height. It's easier to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap fitting flap needs to go. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire a glass installer when installing an e-cat flap on the pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also be capable of providing 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 cat flap comes with a drawing template that can be used to mark the spot on your door where the hole will go. If it does not then you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being able to slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the shape that has been drawn on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It is usually labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole drilled and the flap section is in place, put it against it and then push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you plan to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that will have to be removed in order to fit the cat flap cover for winter flap. Be careful not to harm them during this process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, so 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, it will make the job.
For these types of jobs, it is worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting a cat flap in a upvc door [heavenarticle.Com] expert. It is crucial to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to check if it opens and fits well. If you notice any points that stick or catch, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.
If your kit doesn't include 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 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 are the screw holes you'll use to fit it into the right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult an expert. They will also be able to tell you if your door is suitable for installing the cat flap.
You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so because any changes to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, remember that it can be a messy and potentially dangerous job.
When you have composite doors, you'll generally require a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than simply through the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you will have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's important to remember that cutting a hole into any type of glass for a door is much more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wooden door.