Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to move around the house as it pleases is an excellent way to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it 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 before you purchase the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the proper size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too big or small and your cat may have trouble using it.
Take a ruler, and take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the height of the door in a few spots. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast routine every time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure how much to install a cat flap to measure the door, it may be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work often. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and help you decide on the size of flap you should purchase.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will aid you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. If you're installing an apex flap to an outdoor door, it's important that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the installation of a cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to leave them home on their own. It also helps keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is quite different too. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
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, but they can be difficult to fit 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.
You'll need to take their height in order to ensure that they can pass through the door. This is easiest when they're sleeping or calm, so that they don't move around too often. 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. Then, you can mark this position on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be cautious. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside glass. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat flaps for french doors to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it does not then you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn on the door, then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the shape written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut and the flap is placed against it and open it, making sure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use the filer or the rasp to fix this.
You should also check whether there are any electric gas or cable lines within the door that you will be cutting through since they could be damaged by your jigsaw. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door which have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects while cutting.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid upvc cat flap door panels door and won't have to deal with any of these problems. However, if your door is made of wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will add to the complexity of the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (just click Dermandar) expert. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. It is crucial 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 on to check if it fits and opens easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch, file them down with the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits include an example of this, however, if it doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. 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, mark out four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to put the flap into the right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. But, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then it can be more challenging. If you're not familiar with this, it's best to hire an expert. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you choose to do the work yourself, be aware that this could be messy and hazardous task.
You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this could be very dangerous and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It is important to note that it is much more difficult to create holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood doors.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it 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 before you purchase the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the proper size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it could be too big or small and your cat may have trouble using it.
Take a ruler, and take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the height of the door in a few spots. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast routine every time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure how much to install a cat flap to measure the door, it may be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work often. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and help you decide on the size of flap you should purchase.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will aid you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. If you're installing an apex flap to an outdoor door, it's important that the hole does not reach too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the installation of a cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to leave them home on their own. It also helps keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is quite different too. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
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, but they can be difficult to fit 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.
You'll need to take their height in order to ensure that they can pass through the door. This is easiest when they're sleeping or calm, so that they don't move around too often. 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. Then, you can mark this position on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be cautious. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside glass. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat flaps for french doors to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is ideal). If it does not then you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn on the door, then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the shape written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut and the flap is placed against it and open it, making sure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use the filer or the rasp to fix this.
You should also check whether there are any electric gas or cable lines within the door that you will be cutting through since they could be damaged by your jigsaw. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door which have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects while cutting.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid upvc cat flap door panels door and won't have to deal with any of these problems. However, if your door is made of wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will add to the complexity of the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert guidance from a cat-flap fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (just click Dermandar) expert. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. It is crucial 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 on to check if it fits and opens easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch, file them down with the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits include an example of this, however, if it doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. 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, mark out four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to put the flap into the right position.
The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. But, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then it can be more challenging. If you're not familiar with this, it's best to hire an expert. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for installing a cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you choose to do the work yourself, be aware that this could be messy and hazardous task.
You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. Be aware that this could be very dangerous and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It is important to note that it is much more difficult to create holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood doors.