Fitting A Cat Flap In A UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to come and go out of the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can help reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for the cat to leave the home when necessary.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the home as well!
It is essential to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or too large for your cat and he will be unable to use it.
Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. Also, take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they need to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.
Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark the outline of the hole in the door. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole out and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the future!
Make sure you make the hole in the right position. If you are Fitting A cat flap fitters near me Flap (Http://Hzpc6.Com/Home.Php?Mod=Space&Uid=2781920) the cat flap onto a patio door it is crucial that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to leave the task of installing the cat flap on a glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they wish without having to leave him alone. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for you or your cat.
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. These kinds of doors are typically made from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different, too. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible prior to installing an upvc door panel with cat flap cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, however it can be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before beginning.
To ensure that your cat can access the door, you'll need to determine their height. This is easier if they are asleep or calm, so that they aren't moving around too much. Once you've established 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 location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) you'll need to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into metal can cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire a glass installer when installing the cat flap inside a pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier will also be able to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer 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 does not then you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the door, and it won't slide open or close.
Then, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole drilled and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it open to make sure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a filer or a rasp to remove it.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. You should also be aware of any handles or other fittings in the door, which have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap in upvc door cost flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't have to deal with these issues. However, if your door is made of timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed then this will add to the complexity of the task.
It is always worth seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs as it is crucial to get them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap on to see if it fits and opens easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't have an example, you could 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 on each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw points that you'll need to use to fix the flap to the door.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's best to hire a professional. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable to install the cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.
For composite doors, you'll generally require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame rather than simply through the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take great care not to damage the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.