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Mr-Skill loves animals, and is particularly fond of cats. These independent animals are prone to coming and going as they please, so installing a cat flap is the least you can do to make your pussy happy – besides, it saves you having to get up and do the honours for Kitty in the middle of the night! Talk about leading a charmed life! One of our London window and door fitters says that cat doors are so popular in the big city environment that he does plenty of installations in both wooden and glass doors. 
Job Difficulty
Assuming you are a practical and handy-type of person, then this project should not prove too difficult. However if you are not so useful with your hands, rather get a window and door fitting quote here on Mr-Skill.
How it Works
Most of our interior doors are the hollow core type these days, and comprise of two wood veneers held in place by the actual door framework. This creates a hollow centre effectively, and this is where you should position the cat flap.
What You’ll Need
- A pussy cat (to supervise)
- A cat door (one your cat will fit through)
- Drill and bits
- Jig saw
- Inch-thick board for the surround
- Table saw
- Wood screws and a driver
Installation
Mark the new opening using the template supplied with the cat door, and cut the correct opening size on one side of your hollow core door. Do this by drilling a hole on each corner to accommodate the jig saw blade. Now drill the corresponding holes on the thin veneer of the other side of your door – again cut a straight line between the drill holes.
Finishing Off
Check the gap between the two-cut out faces of your hollow core door. Using your table saw, cut strips of wood to fit this gap exactly (in other words, along the length). Now cut the surround board into two equal pieces to fit the cat flap width, and the other two to fit the flap height – as in top and bottom, left and right.
You should now be ready to place the cut boards into the door framework, to bridge the gaps in the hollow core door – it should mirror the cat flap exactly. Next, secure the surround trim using half-inch screws, running two screws from each side of the hollow core door.
Good Going
If you have made it this far without any hassles, Mr-Skill would like to invite you on board so that others can find their window and door fitters to install their cat flaps! Now pop the kettle on and make yourself a nice brew! Don’t forget a sprig of catnip for pussy!
Tags: bit, board, difficulty, drill, find a window and door fitter, hollow core door, installation, installing, jig saw, job, london window and door fitter, project, screw driver, screws, surround, table saw, template, veneer, window and door fitting quote, wood screws
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Fitting new interior doors is not as simple as it may seem. To begin with, you are dealing with “a given” in terms of the existing space and door frame. Then, the chances are that you will need to trim the new door to size too, and this could involve more than one side. Lining up the hinges and door lock can be a headache too. 
So, if you want to avoid ending up with a new door looking anything but well-fitted, consider finding a door fitter through Mr-Skill. That way, you’ll have more time to focus on something you really enjoy doing, as our expert door fitter transforms your home.
Meanwhile, we asked one of our regular London door fitters to provide some tips for the die-hard DIY types, and here’s what he has to offer:
- Don’t forget to have a spirit level handy, as well as a hammer, plane, saw and screwdriver set. You will need a chisel too, to cut the recess for the door lock, We assume, of course, that you have already bought your new door.
- When replacing a door, be sure to take the exact measurements. Check the height twice on the left and right side, and again twice for the width at the top and bottom. This will ensure that your replacement door is a good fit.
- Put the new door flush up against the framed opening of the doorway. Now position the door so the edges are flush with the frame, making sure the hinge side is plumb using the level.
- Use your hammer to gently tap some wooden wedges to support the door. You can now work out the fit of the new door and mark up exactly where it needs to be trimmed.
- Make gradual adjustments and check back to the frame – this way you will see how your new door’s shaping up.
- Once the replacement door fits correctly, you can mark up the hinge positions on the one side and the door lock on the opposite.
Our door expert jokingly says that if you haven’t hung yourself before your new door, you’re really doing well. If you find it’s all too much for you, check the Mr-Skill home page and get some door fitting quotes right there. Then, pop the kettle on and make a nice cuppa tea, while you wait for the professionals to replace your doors for you, just as you intended!
Tags: adjustment, DIY, door, door frame, door lock, find a window and door fitter, fitting, hammer, hinges, interior door, level, london window and door fitter, mark, plane, plumb, saw, screwdrivers, trim, wedges, window and door fitting quote
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Building Regulations in the UK changed markedly in 2002, and the driver of these changes was energy conservation. Moreover, these changes affected all homes from the ceiling to the floor, and new rules came into being regarding insulation materials, window and door frames, and the glass too. Now you wouldn’t want to run foul of the law would you, so rather find your window-and-door-fitter here, and know that your replacements will meet the strict new standards. 
What You Need to Know
Replacement doors and windows have improved enormously since the new regulations arrived. These days, it is possible to match virtually any type of window or door, and, more importantly, you can retain the traditional look of your home in the process. Thanks to the new Building Regulations, all replacement doors and windows must comply with high thermal qualities too. Improved security and low maintenance also form part of these new-generation replacements.
Where to Find Help
Your search for registered window fitter’s ends right here on Mr-Skill. Our members are all pre-screened, and they are ready to assist you right away. The good news is that they are offering incredible deals, with up to 30% off normal prices at the moment. Get your window-and-door-fitting quote without delay, safe in the knowledge that our members are fully compliant with latest Building Regulations, and will obtain the necessary consent for you.
Insist on Compliant Replacements 
Your new doors and windows must fully meet requirements laid down in the latest rules. Mr-Skill is aware that certain operators – and a number of DIY applications – do not meet these strict new standards. These illegal fitters will not likely be around when your property sells one day, and the solicitors request the specific certification for your new doors and windows.
Pence Sense and Pound Sound
One of our long-standing London window-and-door-fitters is very proud of the high standards now applying to replacement fittings. When you think it through, it can only benefit each household as homes become more efficient, thermally speaking. That means real cool in summer, and warm as fresh toast in winter! Plus the bills will look better too!
Tags: building regulations, ceiling, compliant, consent, door, door fitter, energy efficient, find a window and door fitter, floor, incredible deals, london window and door fitter, memebers, Mr Skill, new doors, new windows, registered fitters, standards, window, window and door fitting quote, window fitter
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Apart from letting in light, the windows in our homes play an important role in energy-efficiency factors too. Over time, the seals around the window frames perish, allowing water, air and of course dust into the house. Worn window seals can also lead to fogging inside the double glazing as moisture gets in. Since replacing window seals is a moderately difficult job – rather like working with putty – this may be a job that’s best left to the experts. You can find a window and door fitting expert right here on Mr-Skill.
If you are determined to go ahead yourself, here’s how to go about it: 
- Check the glass carefully for cracks, chips or holes, and look to replacing any sheet where the outer or inner pane seems compromised. Glazing is a specialist job, so rather contact your local glass specialist, or get a handyman quote through Mr-Skill. Handling glass is inherently dangerous and is not a repair for the novice to consider.
- Before replacing rubber seals around your windows, be sure to have the right replacement gaskets (gauge and profile). As you remove the old seal, slide the replacement into the same channel and trim to the correct length.
- Older style windows, such as sash type, are likely to use putty as the anchoring agent. If the glass panes are undamaged and do not need replacing, remove all old putty and sealant around the glass, where it is held in place within the window frame. A putty knife could prove useful for cleaning out the crevices.
- Load a tube of window-glazing sealant into a caulking gun, and trim the nozzle to the required size. Engage the ratchet-mechanism, and then squeeze the trigger to get the desired amount of sealant into the channel around the pane of glass.
- Use a putty knife to neaten up the sealant, and then clear any surplus caulking immediately.
One of our London window and door fitters advises that working with glass on a window frame can be challenging if you have no experience. He certainly would not encourage the DYI angle for any window that requires a ladder or scaffolding in place. Rather use the experts in the field, since they know what they are doing, and will complete the job professionally and quickly too.
Tags: caulking, caulking gun, chips, condensation, cracks, draft, find a window-and-door-fitting expert, fogging, frame, handyman quote, holes, london window and door fitter, sash window, seal, sealant, water, window
Posted in Handyman Services, Window & Door Fitting | Comments Off
The first thing to remember when changing to internal bi-fold doors is the space consideration – you have to match the size of the current opening approximately. Bi-fold doors consist of sections which hinge-fold when opened, and stack neatly to one side when closed too. They are popular as inter-leading doors between rooms, as well as in bathrooms and kitchens.
What You’ll Need 
- Tape measure
- A bi-fold door kit to fit the existing space
- Drill, drill bits and screw drivers
- Straightedge or spirit level
You could also find a door fitter right here on Mr-Skill, if you want to save time and enjoy perfect peace of mind.
Guideline Steps
- Begin by reading the bi-fold door fitting instructions carefully, and check to see that you have all the parts needed for the job.
- Now, check the width and height of the removed door. This will be your vital measurement for the new door kit. Remember that when fitted, the bi-fold door will be smaller than the actual doorframe space from left to right. This is to accommodate the folds. Confirm the measurements with your door supplier to ensure that they supply the right kit to you.
 Take a break before you start. You could save a lot of time and trouble by arranging a door fitter quote through Mr-Skill.
- Unpack the bi-fold door kit and install the top track complete with pivots, which must be correctly positioned, and secured by screws to the top of the doorframe.
- Attach the side frames, using your straightedge and level to ensure consistent spacing. Adjust with packing if necessary.
- You can now clip the pivots into the top of the bi-fold door.
- Once you have installed the door correctly on the track and pivot brackets, check to see if the door tracks smoothly, left and right.
- Attach the door to the left or right side frame as required. Fit the locking mechanism, and the job is done.
One of our London door fitters advises that bi-fold doors are becoming very popular – he thinks it’s because of the marvellous range of glass or wood effects that these new products boast.
Tags: bi-fold doors, find a window and door fitter, glass, inter-leading, internal doors, level, london window and door fitter, rooms, side frame, straight, top track, track, window and door fitter quote, wood
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Sometimes old age, rust and wear take their toll on our door locks, requiring us to replace them before they become too troublesome. Internal door locks differ from outside ones that are normally equipped with secure locks that are difficult to “pick”. Inside doors make use of a mortise, positioned in the door hollow, which docks into a latch plate mounted in the doorframe. This allows you to lock your door from either side as you desire.
Mr-Skill recommends that you remove the old mortise and take it to your local hardware store as a sample. After that, the similar replacement lock is quick and easy to fit, avoiding the need to make modifications to the existing door.
Having made your purchase, here are the steps involved in fitting your new lock. This job should take no longer than 30 minutes. However, if you want peace of mind you may prefer to find a window and door fitter right here on Mr-Skill.
What You’ll Need
- Internal door lock assembly, including keys
- Chisel for minor adjustments
- Screwdriver correctly sized for the screw heads
- Hammer
Fitting Guidelines
- Position the new mortise into the hole in the door that held the old mechanism. Test for smooth and flush fitting into the latch plate. If necessary, tighten up screws holding the latch plate in the door frame (they can become loose with constant opening and closing of the door).
- If everything lines up correctly and the closing action is good, secure the mortise in position using wood screws on the closing edge of the door.
- Re-fit the handles on either side, carefully securing them with wood screws.
- Test that the key locks smoothly from either side of the door.
 If you are getting a window and door fitting quote, make sure that the service provider knows to replace like-for-like door locks to save you money.
One of our ever-present London window and door fitters offers the following tip.
“Once you have fitted your new internal door lock, be sure to place one of the two keys in a safe place. Also note the unique number inscribed on it, in case you ever need a replacement. In fact, you should consider keeping a register of all your key numbers!”
Tags: action, close, dock, door frame, find a window and door fitter, fit, handle, key, latch, lock, london window and door fitter, mortise, open, position, replacement, screw, smooth, wear, window and door fitting quote
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There’s nothing quite as annoying as having a badly-fitting outside door, especially on a winter’s day when there’s gale outside. It’s amazing how much harder central heating has to work, and what this costs. Don’t just sit back and accept this. Either Get Door Fitting Quotes on Mr-Skill, or have a crack at it yourself.
 Draught-Proofing Strips – The handiest solutions are the rolls of sticky-backed foam that hardware stores all sell. The upside is that the result is instantaneous. The downside is they soon wear out. At best, this is a cheap stop-gap measure.
Sealing Door Bottoms – Gaps at the bottom of doors are a common problem where tiles have replaced a thick-pile carpet. You could try a draught-excluder, although in my experience these don’t always work particularly well. My advice would be to Find a Door Fitter and ask them to attach a matching piece to the bottom of the door. That way the problem should go away, permanently.
While You’re At It - Check out other suspect areas by holding a burning candle near the letterbox and keyhole. Flaps and keyhole covers become sticky and it’s in human nature to adapt to almost anything. It could be an idea to check all the other doors and windows too. You never know what’s there until you look.
 Safety Warning – When I mentioned that I was writing this, my friend the London Door Fitter who hangs out in Charing Cross whistled sharply. I think I may have mentioned him before. Don’t make the place completely airtight, he grumbled. Air still needs to move around the house especially when your central heating and gas appliances are working.
This information comes to you with compliments of Mr-Skill. That’s the matchmaker website that connects customers with tradespeople. Use us with confidence anytime you like. We only recommend first-class craftspeople whose rates are reasonable too. You can trust them to get the job done properly.
Tags: airtight, appliance, bad, bottom, carpet, cheap, door, doot fitting quotes, draught, exclude, find a door fitter, fit, foam, gale, gap, heat, key, keyhole, letterbox, london door fitter, outside, roll, tile, window, winter
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While replacing glass in a UPVC door (or window) is something professionals usually do, there may be times when you have to do the job yourself – like over the Christmas break.  You could do the job yourself provided you can lay your hands on a suitable pane of glass, but do wear gloves and work carefully. At other times it makes far more sense to Find a Window Fitter on Mr-Skill.
- Examine the door frame around the damaged glass to determine from which side it was fitted. One side will have an unbroken line over a strip of rubber. On the other side there will be four pieces of beading that clip in to hold the glass.
- Take up a sharp putty knife or paint scraper and work it under a bottom or a side piece of bead. Hold your other hand out of the way in case the tool slips. Carefully prise out the bottom and side beads, except the top one which will still be holding the glass in place.
 Have an assistant hold the glass in the door frame while you take out the top bead. Hold the pane on both sides while you gently lower it out. Be careful! Wear gloves. The edges will be razor sharp!
- Install the replacement pane in the reverse order, taking care not to crack the glass by applying too much pressure. London Window Fitters often use the trick of applying a little dishwashing soap to the recess in the window frame, when pressing in the final bead.
Under normal circumstances we would recommend that you get Window Fitting Quotes instead and perhaps on Mr-Skill too. That’s because you run the risk of injuring yourself, if for no other reason than that the job may be a little bit unfamiliar to you.
Tags: bead, beading, bottom, broken, clip, crack, damage, dishwash, door, find a window fitter, fit, frame, glass, harm, injure, install, knife, london window fitter, pane, pressure, prise, quadrant, replace, rubber, scraper, sheet, side, soap, strip, top, uPVC, window, window fitting quote(s)
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Misting or fogging in double-glazed windows is quite common in older homes where the guarantee has expired. Owners often put up this, because it is a cosmetic problem that they feel is not worth the money to repair. As a London Window Fitting Expert I’m often asked what causes this irritating problem, and I thought others might like to know why too.
 Some condensation is natural in the space between two glass panes, because of the difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures. In earlier days this drained naturally away. These days another plan is put in place in the interests of thermal efficiency.
- The moisture-absorption material used instead is known an silica – that’s the same stuff as the tiny white balls found in little bags and shipped with electronic goods.
- This silica is in the separation bars that keep the double-glazing panes apart. You’ll find them right up against the inner window frame. The idea is that the silica absorbs the moisture in winter months, and dries out again in summer.
- Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and sometimes the silica becomes water-logged in less
 than five years. Most double-glazing is guaranteed for ten years though. If you are lucky enough to have the original warranty then you may have a claim.
If you are unable to prove the claim and want your unsightly problem solved, then I suggest you Find a Window Fitter to do this for you. Many people prefer to have a drain hole inserted instead, because this is half the price of a complete Replacement Window Fitting Quote.
The window fitter who contributed this advice is listed on Mr-Skill. Like our other skilled artisans in all UK trades, he has a reputation that goes back for years, and he is registered as required by law too. Please contact us in the event that you require Professional Window Fitting Quotes.
Tags: absorb, cause, claim, condensation, cosmetic, double glazing, find a window fitter, fog, frame, glass, guarantee, hole, home, indoor, insert, log, london window fitting, mist, moisture, money, old, outdoor, pane, price, repair, silica, spacer, summer, temperature, thermal, warranty, waterlog, window, window fitting quote, winter
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Theoretically, a door is a rectangular piece of wood sitting inside a perfectly rectangular, slightly oversize frame, and attached to it with hinges. The owners of a well-built home should never need to Find a Door Fitter unless they want to make some changes. However the world is seldom such a perfect place. If your  doors start sticking, this is what you might need to do.
• Begin by examining the gap between the door and frame, to determine where it is catching, and why. Reasons could include a door that’s swelling in humidity, and a frame worked loose through slamming.
• If the frame is coming loose, your first step is to re-attach it to the opening in the wall with some solid screws and plugs. Make sure it remains exactly square, or you could be worsening the problem!
• If the frame is firmly in position, and square too, examine where the door is catching. If this is on the handle side at the top corner, either the top hinge must move in, or the bottom hinge must come out. The converse applies if the door is catching at the bottom.
•  If the door is sticking on the handle side from top to bottom, then both hinges need adjustment. This is not a difficult task, providing you understand what to do. If not, and you live in the City, then you need to consult with London Door Fitters to play safe.
• To move a door towards the handle side, loosen off the offending hinge and insert a shim between hinge and frame. To move it away from a sticking point, loosen off the hinge and chisel out a little wood to recess it more.
If his does not solve the problem or the door is sticking at the top or bottom, then the answer is to remove the door and plane it down to size. This is a more complex job. Perhaps you should play safe and get Door Fitting Quotes on Mr-Skill instead?
Tags: adjust, attach, bottom, catch, chisel, complex, door, door fitting quote(s), down, examine, find a door fitter, frame, handle, hinge, home, humid, in, london door fitters, loose, move, out, plug, rectangular, screw, shim, slam, square, stick, swell, top, up
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