Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the home when required.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This is a great method to keep your pet inside the house when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.

It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are a variety of 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, and your cat may struggle to use it.

Take a ruler, and measure the width at several places along the edges 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 flap glass door installation near me to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!

If you're not sure of how to measure a door, it might be best to ask for assistance from a glazier, or someone who is familiar with this kind of work regularly. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can give you advice on the right size flap to purchase.

Draw the outline of the hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making an error that will cost you money in the long run!

It is also important to ensure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. For instance, if you're fitting a cat Flap in a upvc door (articlescad.com) the cat flap in 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 in an existing pane. You may also find that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to leave him home all by himself. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not healthy for your cat or you.

If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Before you decide to install the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.

These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.

You'll have to measure 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 aren't moving around. Once you've determined their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This location can be marked on the door.

When using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you need be extra cautious. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flaps for french doors flap in glass. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming hard. A Glazier will also be able to provide you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If not however, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you can create one by using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape is pencilled in on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly 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 that you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole cut out then place the flap against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it becomes stuck on any points then use a file or rasp to fix it.

It is also important to ensure whether there are any electric gas or cable lines within the door that you will be cutting into since they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed to install the cat flap. You should be cautious not to scratch them in the process.

Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that isn't easily removed, this can make the job.

It is always worth seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs since it is essential to do them done right to avoid potential problems in the future. It is essential to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.

Install the Flap

After you've made your hole cut, put the flap in place to check whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you spot any areas that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit properly and can be opened without issue. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door.

Some kits include a template for this however, if it doesn't, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Lay the paper against the door and draw the area where you'll need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to fit it into place.

The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult a professional. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, you need to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that it could be a messy job and could be dangerous.

With composite doors, you'll usually require a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than simply through the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself since it is very fragile. It's important to remember that it's more difficult to cut holes in door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.