Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
The ability of your cat to come and go out of the home at its own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go at their own pace, without having to open the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet in the house when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from entering.
It is essential to measure the door before you buy a cat flap as there are a variety of sizes available. This ensures that you get the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or too large, and your cat may be unable to use it.
Use a ruler to measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too tall will cause your cat to do an exercise routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and advise you on what size flap you should purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on the door once you have your measurements. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the long run!
Make sure to put holes in the right position. If you're installing an apex flap to the 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.
If you have an opening made of glass it is best to delegate this task to a glazier. It may be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to go and come as they please without you needing to leave them to themselves. It can also keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are typically made from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different, too. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can cause warranty issues.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to weather than other types of doors, however it isn't always easy to install a cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door will accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to starting.
You'll need to determine their height to ensure that they can fit through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't move around. Once you know their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. You can then mark this location on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you have to be careful. The drilling process can make it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ a glass installer when installing an e-cat flap on the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap should come with a drawing template that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole should go. If it doesn't, create your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out and the flap section is in place, put it against it and then push it open to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it is bound at any point, you can use a filer or a rasp to correct this.
Also, make sure that there are no electric cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting into because they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have to be removed to install the cat flap. Be careful not to damage them in the process.
Most people who fit the cat flap themselves have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these problems. But, if your door is made from timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, this could add to the complexity of the task.
It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs since it is crucial to get them right to avoid any potential problems in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've made your hole, place the flap to see if it opens and fits well. If you find any points that stick or catch, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits include a template for this but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Lay cat flap fitters near me against the door and draw a line where you want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screws you'll need to use to fix the flap to the door.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. If you are not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to determine if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you choose to carry out the work yourself, remember that this could be messy and dangerous task.
You'll need to use a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be a very hazardous job and you'll have to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself, as it is extremely fragile. It's important to remember that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.