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Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to enter and go from the house at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. A flap can help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This is a great way to keep your pet inside the house when you're away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from getting into your.
You should take measurements of the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large for your cat and he will have trouble using it.
Before you take any action but take a ruler and determine the length of the door in various places along its edge. Also, measure the door's height in a few places. This is because doors that are too high can cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they need to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They should be able to assist you in determining whether not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the right place. If you're fitting a cat flap to a patio door it is vital that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors you could want to delegate this task to a glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to move around whenever they like without having to leave them home on their own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not healthy for your cat as well as you.
If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. cat flap installer Repair My Windows And Doors are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, but it isn't easy to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to starting.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need to determine their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you've determined their height, 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.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The act of drilling into the metal may cause it to crack, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's highly advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside glass. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming fragile. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This will be less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good quality cat flap comes with a template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole should go. If it doesn't, create your own by with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been drawn on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the door, and it won't slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut the shape that has been marked on the door. Make sure that 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 the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and then open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to correct this.
Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them during the process.
Most people who install the cat flap themselves have the standard solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that cannot be removed, it will make the job.
For these types of jobs, it is important to get advice from a cat flap fitter. It is essential to do them correctly to avoid future problems. It is crucial to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap in place to test whether it will fit and opens easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit perfectly and open without any problems. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.
If your kit doesn't have an example, you could make use of thin paper such as 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 the corners of the flap. These are the screw holes that you'll use to secure it in the correct position.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If the door is made of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be wise to get a professional to do the job for you. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap into composite doors, you need to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to carry out the work yourself, be aware that this can be messy and possibly hazardous task.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll need to take extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wood door.